Question

1. write the nuclear equation for the decay of po - 210 if it undergoes 2 consecutive alpha decays followed by a beta decay followed by another alpha decay.

Explanation:

Step1: Alpha decay 1

In alpha decay, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.

$$_{84}^{210}\text{Po} ightarrow_{82}^{206}\text{Pb}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$

Step2: Alpha decay 2

$$_{82}^{206}\text{Pb} ightarrow_{80}^{202}\text{Hg}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$

Step3: Beta decay

In beta decay, the mass number remains the same and the atomic number increases by 1.

$$_{80}^{202}\text{Hg} ightarrow_{81}^{202}\text{Tl}+_{-1}^{0}\text{e}$$

Step4: Alpha decay 3

$$_{81}^{202}\text{Tl} ightarrow_{79}^{198}\text{Au}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$

Answer:

$$_{84}^{210}\text{Po} ightarrow_{82}^{206}\text{Pb}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$

$$_{82}^{206}\text{Pb} ightarrow_{80}^{202}\text{Hg}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$

$$_{80}^{202}\text{Hg} ightarrow_{81}^{202}\text{Tl}+_{-1}^{0}\text{e}$$

$$_{81}^{202}\text{Tl} ightarrow_{79}^{198}\text{Au}+_{2}^{4}\text{He}$$