Author Question: The element uranium (U, atomic no. = 92) often has 146 (or more) neutrons but it will still undergo ... (Read 129 times)

ereecah · **on:** Jul 29, 2018

The element uranium (U, atomic no. = 92) often has 146 (or more) neutrons but it will still undergo radioactive decay. Which statement might best describe why?

A) The attractive force of the nucleons has a limited range.
B) The isolated neutron is not stable and will undergo spontaneous transformation into a proton and an electron.
C) The force is strong with U, but tainted with the dark side it is.
D) both A and B
E) none of the above

Question 2

Just after an alpha particle leaves the nucleus, would you expect it to spJust after an alpha particle leaves the nucleus, would you expect it to speed up? Why?eed up? Why?

A) No. Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it is slowed by the repulsion of the next closest atom's nucleus.
B) No. As the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it is slowed by the constant attraction of the electrons surrounding the nucleus.
C) Yes. Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus there are no more forces acting on it and it therefore accelerates.
D) Yes. Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it accelerates because of mutual electric repulsion with the nucleus from which it escaped.