Physics (AS & A Level) · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 12 · Question 40

A nucleus of ^{238}_{92}U decays in stages by emitting α-particles and β⁻ particles, eventually forming a nucleus of ^{206}_{82}Pb. How many α-particles and how many β⁻ particles are emitted during the decay chain?

1. A8 α-particles, 6 β⁻ particles
2. B8 α-particles, 10 β⁻ particles
3. C16 α-particles, 6 β⁻ particles
4. D16 α-particles, 22 β⁻ particles

As printed in the paper