An element X of an atomic number 88 and mass number 226 decays to form an element Z by emitting two beta particles and an alpha particle. Z is represented b...

Answer Details

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, while the mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. In this question, the element X has an atomic number of 88 and a mass number of 226, which means it has 88 protons and (226-88) = 138 neutrons. When element X emits two beta particles and an alpha particle, it undergoes radioactive decay. A beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus, while an alpha particle is a particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons. The emission of a beta particle increases the atomic number by 1, while the emission of an alpha particle decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. Therefore, after emitting two beta particles and an alpha particle, the new element Z will have an atomic number of (88+2-2) = 88 and a mass number of (226+4-2x2) = 222. The symbol for this element Z is 22288Z, which means it has 88 protons and (222-88) = 134 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 22288Z.