Question

Polonium-191 decays by emitting an alpha particle. The daughter product also decays by alpha decay. What is the product of the two decays?
a.Hg-183
b.Hg-189
c.Po-197
d.Pb-193

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is a: Hg-183.

Explanation:

The alpha decay is given by:

$^{A}_{Z}X \rightarrow ^{A-4}_{Z-2}Y + ^{4}_{2}He$

Hence, if Polonium-191 decays by emitting an alpha particle we have:

$^{191}_{84}Po \rightarrow ^{187}_{82}Pb + ^{4}_{2}He$        

Now, if Pb-187 also decays by emitting an alpha particle we have:

$^{187}_{82}Pb \rightarrow ^{183}_{80}Hg + ^{4}_{2}He$        

Therefore, the correct option is a: Hg-183.

I hope it helps you!