Question

When polonium-210 emits an alpha particle, the child isotope has an atomic mass of

Answer 1

Answer: The child isotope has an atomic mass of 206.

Explanation:

Alpha decay : When a larger nuclei decays into smaller nuclei by releasing alpha particle. In this process, the mass number and atomic number is reduced by 4 and 2 units respectively.

General representation of an element is given as:   $_Z^A\textrm{X}$

where,

Z represents Atomic number

A represents Mass number

X represents the symbol of an element

General representation of alpha decay :

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

$_{84}^{210}\textrm{Po}\rightarrow_{82}^{206}\textrm{Pb}+_2^4\textrm{He}$

Answer 2

Answer: The atomic mass of the daughter isotope is 206 u

Explanation:

Alpha decay is defined as the decay process in which alpha particle is released. In this process, a heavier nuclei decays into a lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released carries a charge of +2 units and a mass of 4 units.

The released alpha particle is also known as helium nucleus.

In this decay process, the atomic number of the atom decreases by 2 units and the mass number decreases by 4 units.

The chemical equation for the alpha decay process of Po-210 isotope follows:

$_{84}^{210}\textrm{Po}\rightarrow _{82}^{206}\textrm{Pb}+_2^4\alpha$

The daughter isotope formed is Pb-206 isotope

Hence, the atomic mass of the daughter isotope is 206 u