The nuclide Pb-210 undergoes three successive decays (beta, alpha, and beta, respectively) to form a stable nuclide. What are the three nuclides which form from Pb-210 in this decay series?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pb-210 undergoes beta decay to form Bi-210. Bi-210 undergoes alpha decay to form Tl-206. Tl-206 undergoes beta decay to form Pb-206. Therefore, the three nuclides formed from Pb-210 are Bi-210, Tl-206, and Pb-206. These nuclides are all in the same decay series (the uranium-238 decay series). Option B is the only choice that includes all three of these nuclides.

The Nuclide Pb-210 Undergoes Three Successive Decays (Beta, Alpha, and Beta