When an element $_{90}^{232}\text{Th}$ decays into $_{82}^{208}\text{Pb}$, the number of $\alpha$ and $\beta^{-}$ particles emitted respectively are
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In nuclear decay, balance the mass numbers (top numbers) first to find the number of alpha particles ($_{2}^{4}\text{He}$), then balance the atomic numbers (bottom numbers) to find the number of beta particles ($_{-1}^{0}e$). Remember that alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2, while beta decay leaves the mass number unchanged and increases the atomic number by 1.