Eight alpha decays and six beta decays are necessary before an atom of 2 \(^{238}_{92}U\) achieves stability. The final product in the chain has an atomic number of
A
70
B
78
C
82
D
90
Verified Correct Answer: C.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
U \(\to\) 8(\(^{4}_{2}He\)) + 6(\(^{0}_{-1}e\)) + \(^{b}_{a}X\)
92 = (8 X 2) + (6 X -1) + a
a = 82
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #28363)