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:

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord that connects the CNS to organs, limbs, and skin.

Spinal Nerve Pairs

Spinal nerve pairs are pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, serving to relay information between the body and the spinal cord.

Coccygeal

Pertaining to the coccyx, the small bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and other apes, often referred to as the tailbone.

Mixed Nerves

Nerves that contain both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) fibers, allowing them to transmit signals in both directions between the central nervous system and various parts of the body.