33. In the “Masses of Subatomic Particles and Radiation” table from the Science Data Booklet and in nuclear reactions, the electron is given a mass number of 0 in it nuclear notation of e, even though the electron does have some mass. Explain why the mass of the electron can be ignored in a nuclear reaction involving protons and neutrons. Include calculations to support your answer.



34. Thorium-232 undergoes alpha decay relatively slowly. Its nucleus gives off one
alpha particle during its decay. Thorium-232, although radioactive, is found in the materials of some lantern mantles. Using nuclear notation, write the balanced
nuclear equation representing the alpha decay of the isotope thorium-232.


35. The isotope radon-218 occurs as a product of the alpha decay of the isotope of another element. With each radon nucleus, one alpha particle is emitted. Using nuclear notation, write the balanced nuclear equation representing the alpha decay having the product radon-218.