Question

175pt spontaneously decays into 171os. what is another product of this decay?

Answer 1

The spontaneous decay of 175Pt into 171Os produces alpha particles as another product.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decay of 175Pt into 171Os involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This emission leads to the transformation of the parent nucleus 175Pt into the daughter nucleus 171Os. The difference in atomic number and mass number between the parent and daughter nuclei is attributed to the emission of the alpha particle.

To elaborate, 175Pt initially has 78 protons and undergoes alpha decay, emitting an alpha particle composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Consequently, the atomic number decreases by 2, resulting in 171Os with 76 protons. Additionally, the mass number decreases by 4 due to the loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, leading to 171Os with a mass number of 171.

Therefore, the secondary product of the spontaneous decay of 175Pt into ^171Os is the emission of alpha particles.

Understanding this decay process involves recognizing the relationship between the parent and daughter nuclei in terms of their atomic numbers and mass numbers. In alpha decay, an alpha particle is emitted, causing a reduction in the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, thus forming the daughter nucleus. This fundamental principle underlies the transformation of 175Pt into 171Os.

Answer 2

In the alpha decay of 175Pt to 171Os, the other product formed is a helium-4 nucleus or an alpha particle.

Step-by-step explanation:

When 175Pt (platinum) decays, it forms 171Os (osmium) by alpha decay. That means an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, has been emitted. An alpha particle is essentially the same as a helium nucleus (4He). Since an alpha particle has a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2, the decay can be represented as:

`(175)_((78))Pt \rightarrow (171)_((76))Os + (4)_((2))He`

Because the decay of Pt to Os decreases the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2 as platinum loses an alpha particle, the other product of this decay is a helium-4 nucleus, also known as an alpha particle.