Final answer:
The balanced equation for the alpha decay of gold-173 is 197Au → 173Ta + 4He. In this equation, the parent isotope gold-197 decays into the daughter isotope tantalum-173 by emitting an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced equation for the alpha decay of gold-173 is:
197Au → 173Ta + 4He
In this equation, the parent isotope gold-197 decays into the daughter isotope tantalum-173 by emitting an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus.