Final answer:
Unstable isotopes undergo radioactive decay to become more stable, with the type of decay depending on their atomic and mass numbers. Polonium-210 undergoes alpha decay, Europium-147 might undergo beta decay or electron capture, Americium-241 is likely to undergo alpha decay, and Iodine-126 may undergo beta decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for predictions on the mode(s) of spontaneous radioactive decay that certain unstable isotopes might undergo. For each of the isotopes listed, we can make educated guesses based on characteristics like atomic number, mass number, and known radioactive decay series.
- a) 210Po (Polonium-210): As part of the decay series of 238U, Polonium-210 is known to undergo alpha decay.
- b) 147Eu (Europium-147): With a relatively lower atomic number, it might undergo beta decay or electron capture to achieve a more stable neutron-to-proton ratio.
- c) 241Am (Americium-241): With an atomic number greater than 83, Americium-241 is likely to undergo alpha decay.
- d) 126I (Iodine-126): Iodine-126 may undergo beta decay to stabilize its neutron-to-proton ratio.
These predictions are made based on general trends observed in radioactive decay behaviors for elements in various ranges of the periodic table.