Chapter 30.2, Problem 30SSC

To determine

To Explain: An equation for the reaction.

Answer to Problem 30SSC

The equation of reaction when polonium undergoes alpha decay is $Po\to Pb+He$. This leads to the formation of lead $\left(Pb\right)$.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

An isotope is any form of chemical element which has the identical number of protons in the nuclei of an atom but it does not have the identical number of neutrons in its nucleus. The isotope has the same atomic number but it has a different atomic mass number.

In a given example, alpha particle of polonium undergoes alpha decay. When polonium undergoes alpha decay at this time $\left(He\right)$ helium gas is emitted out which leads to the formation of lead. The equation can be written as,

  $Po\to +Pb+He$

Where,

Polonium has $84$ protons and $210$ neutrons in the nucleus of polonium.

Conclusion:

The equation of reaction when polonium undergoes alpha decay is $Po\to Pb+He$which leads to the formation of lead $\left(Pb\right)$.