Atom \(^{234} _{88} Q\) decay by alpha emission to give an atom R. The atomic number and mass number of atom R are respectively
Answer Details
Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, which reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. In this case, atom Q has an atomic number of 88 and a mass number of 234. After it decays by alpha emission, it will lose two protons and two neutrons, so the atomic number will be 88 - 2 = 86, and the mass number will be 234 - 4 = 230. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 86 and 230.