Q23PE - College Physics (Urone)

Question

α decay of ²¹⁰Po, the isotope of polonium in the decay series of ²³⁸U that was discovered by the Curies. A favorite isotope in physics labs, since it has a short half-life and decays to a stable nuclide.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The electron capture Decay equation of ²¹⁰Po is \(_{84}^{210}{P_{126}} \to _{82}^{206}\;P{b_{124}} + _2^4H{e_2}\).

What is atomic mass number ?

The amount of matter contained in an atom of an element is called its atomic mass.

Formula to be used

A = N + Z

 

Where A is atomic mass number

Z is the number of protons in a nucleus

X is the symbol for the element

 

In the expression below:

\(_Z^A{X_N}\) 

 

Z is the number of protons in a nucleus

X is the symbol for the element

 

To determine the alpha decay equation equation of

²¹⁰Po

 

We know that 

A = N + Z

 

Where A is atomic mass number

 

The atomic mass of \(_{84}^{210}Po\) is 210 and

A = 210 Z = 84 N = 126 

Thus,

 A = 210 N = 126 - 2 = 124 Z = 84 - 2 = 82

 

Therefore, alpha Decay equation of ²¹⁰Po is \(_{84}^{210}{P_{126}} \to _{82}^{206}\;P{b_{124}} + _2^4H{e_2}\).