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