Polonium-210 is an α emitter. Identify the element formed when emits an α particle.

Question

Polonium-210 is an α emitter. Identify the element formed when  emits an α particle.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polonium-210 undergoes α decay, which means it emits a helium nucleus (α particle) composed of two protons and two neutrons. This leaves the original nucleus with two fewer protons and two fewer neutrons, thereby changing it into a different element.

The symbol 11eb6c44_580a_ca0c_8d9d_933caf2877dc_TB8310_11 represents Polonium-210, which has an atomic number of 84 (i.e., it has 84 protons). After emitting an α particle, the resulting nucleus will have an atomic number of 82 (i.e., it will have two fewer protons) and an atomic mass of 206 (i.e., it will have two fewer neutrons).

Among the options given, option B - 11eb6c44_580a_f11e_8d9d_4b66699294de_TB8310_11 - corresponds to Lead-206, which is the element formed when Polonium-210 emits an α particle. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Polonium-210 Is an α Emitter