Question

Α decay of (²¹⁰Po), the isotope of polonium in the decay series of (²³⁸U) that was discovered by the Curies.

a) (²¹⁰Po) undergoes α decay.
b) (²¹⁰Po) undergoes βᵈecay.
c) (²¹⁰Po) undergoes electron capture.
d) (²¹⁰Po) undergoes β⁺ decay.

Answer 1

α decay of polonium-210 (²¹⁰Po) results in an alpha particle being emitted from the nucleus, decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, yielding lead-206, a stable nuclide. The correct option is (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

α decay of polonium-210 (²¹⁰Po) indicates that the isotope of polonium, which is part of the decay series of uranium-238 (²³⁸U), discovered by the Curies, undergoes a specific type of radioactive decay.

During α decay, an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, is emitted from the nucleus of the atom. This results in a decrease of the atomic number by 2and the mass number by 4, yielding lead-206 (Pb), a stable nuclide that is the end product of this decay process.

It's important to note that α decay is distinct from other forms of decay such as β⁺ decay (beta-minus decay), β⁵ decay (beta-plus decay), and electron capture. In the case of polonium-210, the correct decay mode is α decay.

When β⁺ decay occurs, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron, which is then emitted. In β⁵ decay, a proton is transformed into a neutron with the emission of a positron. Electron capture involves the capture of an orbital electron by the nucleus, leading to the conversion of a proton into a neutron.