Gamma Emission of Uranium-235 – Nuclear Physics Explained
📘 Question:
When uranium-235 undergoes gamma emission, what is the daughter nucleus?
Options:
- A) 92236Vr
- B) 92235Vr
- C) 91235Pa
- D) 92234Ur
Gamma emission is a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus releases excess energy without changing its identity. Let’s analyze what happens to uranium-235.
🔬 Step 1: Understand Gamma Emission
In gamma decay, a nucleus transitions from an excited energy state to a more stable state by emitting a gamma photon (γ-ray). Importantly:
- There is no change in proton number (Z).
- There is no change in neutron number (N).
- There is no change in mass number (A).
🔬 Step 2: Apply It to Uranium-235
Uranium-235 has:
- Proton number Z = 92
- Mass number A = 235
- Symbol: 92235U
After gamma emission, the uranium nucleus becomes more stable but remains the same element and isotope:
➤ New nucleus: 92235U (same as the original)
🚫 Common Misconceptions:
- **Option A & B (Vr):** Likely a typographical error — “Vr” is not a known chemical symbol. Likely meant to be “U”.
- **Option C (Pa):** Protactinium-235 would occur from β-decay, not gamma emission.
- **Option D (U-234):** Would occur via alpha decay, not gamma emission.
✅ Final Answer:
The daughter nucleus is 92235U (unchanged).
Correct Option: B (assuming “Vr” is a typo for “U”)
The daughter nucleus is 92235U (unchanged).
Correct Option: B (assuming “Vr” is a typo for “U”)