Alpha Decay of Uranium-238
238U → 234Th + 4He
概述
Uranium-238 emits an alpha particle (helium-4 nucleus) to become thorium-234. This is the first step in the uranium-238 decay series, which ultimately produces lead-206 through 14 decay steps. U-238 has a half-life of 4.47 billion years, roughly the age of the Earth.
参与者
日常示例
Uranium-lead dating of rocks uses this decay to determine the age of geological formations and the Earth itself.
工业重要性
U-238是铀衰变系的母核。其超长半衰期使其适用于数十亿年地质构造的定年。
属性
- 类型
- Nuclear
- 可逆
- 否
- 能量
- 放热
- ΔH
- -410000000.0 kJ/mol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Alpha Decay of Uranium-238?
The balanced equation is: ²³⁸U → ²³⁴Th + ⁴He.
What type of reaction is Alpha Decay of Uranium-238?
Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 is a nuclear reaction.
Is Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 exothermic or endothermic?
Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -410000000.0 kJ/mol.