In: Chemistry
Through which type of radioactive decay does Am-242 become Np-238?
Answer : Alpha decay
Explanation :-
Americium-242 (Am-242) undergoes alpha decay by emitting alpha particles to form Neptunium-238 (Np-238).
Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle (He) is emitted from radioactive substance to become another substance. In this process, mass number of the radioactive element is reduced by 4 and atomic no is reduced by 2 because Helium has mass no = 4 and Atomic no = 2. General expression of alpha decay is
Therefore alpha decay of Am-242 is
Hence the answer. Thanks