Q 12-13-023NEETJEE MainMedium
$^{238}_{92}$U decays to $^{206}_{82}$Pb through a series of alpha and beta-minus decays. The numbers of alpha and beta particles emitted are
Answer: (B) $8$ and $6$
Alphas: $\dfrac{238 - 206}{4} = 8$, which lowers $Z$ by $16$ to $76$. To reach $82$, $6$ beta-minus decays are needed.
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics