An atom of ^241Am95 undergos alpha decay and produces an alpha particle. The resulting element is:
^239Am91
^235Np93
^241Pu94
^241Cm96
^243Am95
To use your symbolism, although it isn't the best in the world I know what you mean, it works this way.
^241Am95 ==> ^4He2 + ^yXz
If you will ALWAYS do this, you can figures these out very simply. Here is what you do. The exponents must add up on both sides. The subscripts must add up on both sides. Easy, isn't it.
So 241 = 4 + y for the superscripts
and 91 = 2 + z for the subscripts.
Just calculate y and z and you have it
Then X is the element with atomic number = z.
The right answer is not listed if you posted the question correctly.
An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons, which is equivalent to the nucleus of a helium atom. When an atom of ^241Am95 undergoes alpha decay, it releases an alpha particle.
The resulting element can be determined by subtracting the atomic number of the alpha particle (2) from the atomic number of the original atom (^241Am95), and also subtracting the mass number of the alpha particle (4) from the mass number of the original atom.
Atomic Number: 95 - 2 = 93
Mass Number: 241 - 4 = 237
Therefore, the resulting element is ^237Np93, which is neptunium-237. However, this element is not listed as one of the options provided.
To determine the resulting element after alpha decay, we need to understand the process of alpha decay.
During alpha decay, an atom emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, the atomic number (proton number) of the parent atom decreases by 2, and the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) decreases by 4.
Given that the parent atom is ^241Am95, we can calculate the atomic number and mass number of the resulting element as follows:
Atomic Number of Parent Atom - 2 = Atomic Number of Resulting Element
95 - 2 = 93
Mass Number of Parent Atom - 4 = Mass Number of Resulting Element
241 - 4 = 237
Now, we look for an element with an atomic number of 93 and a mass number of 237.
Among the options provided, ^235Np93 fulfills these criteria. Therefore, the resulting element after the alpha decay of ^241Am95 is ^235Np93.