A U-238 Nucleus (Mass = 238 Units) Decays, Transforming into an Alpha

question 49

Short Answer

A U-238 nucleus (mass = 238 units) decays, transforming into an alpha particle (mass = 4.00 units) and a residual thorium nucleus (mass = 234 units). If the uranium nucleus was at rest, and the alpha particle has a speed of 1.50 × 10⁷ m/s, determine the recoil speed of the thorium nucleus.

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Definitions:

Promoter

A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene, typically located near the transcription start sites of genes.

Inducer

A molecule that binds to a repressor protein, converting it to its inactive form, which is unable to prevent transcription.

Lactose

A disaccharide sugar found in milk and dairy products, which is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase.

Lac Operon

A set of genes and their control sequences that are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in bacteria.