Question

The alpha decay of what isotope of what element produces lead-206? The alpha decay of what isotope of what element produces lead-206? mercury-202 thallium-204 bismuth-208 polonium-210 radon-222

Answer 1

Answer : The element produces lead-206 is, polonium (Po)- 210

Explanation :

Alpha decay : In this process, alpha particles is emitted when a heavier nuclei decays into lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released has a charge of +2 units.

The general representation of alpha decay reaction is:

`_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _(Z-2)^(A-4)Y+_2^4\alpha`

As we are given that,

`_(Z-2)^(A-4)Y=_(82)^(206)Pb`

From the given data we conclude that,

`Z-2=82\\\\Z=82+2=84\\\\A-4=206\\\\A=206+4=210`

So, the element is polonium (Po) that has atomic number 84 and atomic mass 210.

The complete alpha decay reaction will be,

`_(84)^(210)\textrm{Po}\rightarrow _(82)^(206)\textrm{Pb}+_2^4He`

Hence, the element produces lead-206 is, polonium (Po)- 210