Write a balanced nuclear equation for the following: The nuclide uranium-238 undergoes alpha emission.

²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁴₉₀Th + ⁴₂He + Energy

Explanation:

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When uranium undergoes an alpha decay, it's atomic number is reduced by 2 while it atomic mass is reduced by 4 similar to the elements helium (He) and sometimes alpha decay is represented by a helium atom.

Equation of decay

²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁴₉₀Th + ⁴₂He + Energy

When uranium undergoes an alpha decay, it loses an alpha particle similar to a helium atom and forms thorium which has an atomic number of 90 and atomic mass of 234 with the release of energy.