Question

When the nuclide bismuth-210 undergoes alpha decay:

Answer 1

Explanation:

An atom undergoes alpha decay by losing a helium atom.

So when bismuth undergoes alpha decay, we have;

²¹⁰₈₃Bi --> ⁴₂He + X

Mass number;

210 = 4 + x

x = 206

Atomic number;

83 = 2 + x

x = 81

The element is Thallium. The symbol is Ti.

For the second part;

X --> ⁴₂He + ²³⁴₉₀Th

Mass number;

x = 4 + 234 = 238

Atomic Number;

x = 2 + 90 = 92

The balanced nuclear equation is;

²³⁸₉₂U --> ⁴₂He + ²³⁴₉₀Th