Determine the identity of the daughter nuclide from the alpha decay of Po.

Question

Determine the identity of the daughter nuclide from the alpha decay of  Po.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, the daughter nuclide will have an atomic number that is two less and a mass number that is four less than the parent nuclide. 
In this case, the parent nuclide is 11ea67b3_968d_4936_8b3b_8be816392959_TB6103_11 Po, which has an atomic number of 84 and a mass number of 211. 
The daughter nuclide will have an atomic number of 82 (84-2) and a mass number of 207 (211-4). 
Among the answer choices, only choice D, 11ea67b3_968d_704a_8b3b_1b3196c99ea2_TB6103_11 Pb, satisfies these criteria.

Determine the Identity of the Daughter Nuclide from the Alpha