Respuesta :

The energy generated by the alpha decay of a uranium-238 nucleus is 4.25 megaelectron volts (MeV).

A nuclear process known as "alpha decay" releases a particle made up of two protons and two neutrons when an unstable nucleus transforms into another element. An alpha particle, which is just a helium nucleus, is an expelled particle that has this name. A positive charge and a sizable mass characterize alpha particles.

We have, when [tex]U^{238}[/tex] emits an alpha particle,

[tex]U^{238}= Th^{234}+He^{4}[/tex]

Therefore, mass defect, Δm = [tex]m*U^{238} - (m*Th^{234} +m He^4)[/tex]

⇒Δm=[tex][238.0508-(234.0436+4.0026)][/tex]

⇒Δm= [tex]0.00457u[/tex]

So energy released, [tex]E=[/tex]Δ[tex]mc^2[/tex]

⇒[tex]E= 0.00457u*931.5MeV\\[/tex]

⇒[tex]E= 4.25 MeV[/tex]

To learn more about alpha decay, refer:-

https://brainly.com/question/14081292

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