Question

An atom undergoes radioactive decay according to this equation: 129/54 Xe + 0/-1e What was the identity of the parent atom?

Answer 1

Answer: Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Parent atom is the atom which undergoes radioactive decay in a nuclear reaction. After the decay, this parent atom results in the formation of different products.

The given radioactive decay reaction will be as follows.

      $^{129}_{53}I \rightarrow ^{129}_{54}Xe + ^{0}_{-1}e$

Here, beta particle is emitted along with the formation of $^{129}_{54}X$.

Thus, we can conclude that in this reaction the parent atom is $^{129}_{53}I$.