Which of the following transmutations involves the absorption of an alpha particle?

The correct answer indicates a transmutation process where an alpha particle is absorbed by a nucleus, resulting in a change in the atomic structure. In the chosen answer, 238U (Uranium-238) undergoes a reaction to form 234Pa (Protactinium-234) through the absorption of an alpha particle.

In nuclear physics, an alpha particle is essentially a helium nucleus, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, and is represented as 4He. When 238U undergoes this particular transmutation, it results in the transformation to 234Pa, highlighting a change in elemental identity, which is characteristic of transmutation processes.

The other options describe different nuclear processes that do not involve the direct absorption of an alpha particle. For instance, 238U + 4He → 242Pu implies a fusion process rather than just an absorption. The addition of neutrons in "235U + 2n → 236U" signifies a neutron capture rather than alpha particle absorption, while "240Pu → 236U + 4He" describes alpha decay, releasing an alpha particle instead of absorbing one. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the selected answer accurately depicts a transmutation involving the absorption of an