Radioactive isotopes with high atomic numbers often decay to form isotopes that are themselves radioactive, and once formed, decay to form new isotopes. Sometimes a series of such decays occurs over many steps until a stable nucleus is formed. The following series of decays occurs: Polonium-218 decays with emission of an α particle to form X, which emits a β particle to form Y, which emits an α particle to form Z. Identify X, Y, and Z.

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
5th Edition
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter18: Nuclear Chemistry
Section18.4: Rates Of Disintegration Reactions
Problem 18.4PSP
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Radioactive isotopes with high atomic numbers often decay
to form isotopes that are themselves radioactive, and once
formed, decay to form new isotopes. Sometimes a series of
such decays occurs over many steps until a stable nucleus is
formed. The following series of decays occurs: Polonium-218
decays with emission of an α particle to form X, which
emits a β particle to form Y, which emits an α particle to
form Z. Identify X, Y, and Z.

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