Neodymium $\begin{array} { c }
144 \
60
\end{array}$ Nd is an isotope that undergoes alpha decay. What isotope is the product of this decay?

Question

Neodymium $\begin{array} { c } 
144 \
60
\end{array}$ Nd is an isotope that undergoes alpha decay. What isotope is the product of this decay?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. The atomic number of the parent nucleus decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4. Therefore, the product of the alpha decay of $\begin{array} { c } 144 \60\end{array}$ Nd is an isotope with an atomic number of 60-2 = 58 and a mass number of 144-4 = 140. This corresponds to the isotope $\begin{array} { c } 140 \58\end{array}$ Ce.

Neodymium 14460\begin{array} { c } 144 \\60\end{array}14460​ Nd Is an Isotope That Undergoes Alpha Decay

Neodymium $\begin{array} { c } 144 \\60\end{array}$ Nd Is an Isotope That Undergoes Alpha Decay