The most common naturally occurring isotope of uranium is 238U. Through a series of alpha and beta decays, the stable isotope 206Pb is reached.
Q. How many alpha decays and how many beta decays must occur to reach this stable isotope?
Other stable isotopes of lead are 209Bi, 208Pb, 207Pb, and 204Pb. Some of these may be eliminated as a possible end product. Consider the calculations you performed to answer question 12.25 in the homework assignment.
Q. Explain how you could use such calculations to determine whether or not any of the other stable isotopes could be eliminated.
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