what are the atomic number and the atomic mass of the element formed when 218/84 Po emits a beta particle? what are they when the polonium emits an alpha particle?

Question

Chemistry

Kelsie

18 August, 15:08

what are the atomic number and the atomic mass of the element formed when 218/84 Po emits a beta particle? what are they when the polonium emits an alpha particle?

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Answers (1)

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Cindy Lou Who · Answer 1

Alpha

214 and 82

Beta

85

Explanation:

Radioactive emissions involves the spontaneous disintegration followed by the emission of radiation which is in the form of radioactive particles.

When an element emits an alpha particle, it is expected that the number of protons and the mass number decreases by a factor of 2 and 4 respectively. This is because the alpha radiation is an helium atom. Hence since we had 218 and 84 before, we simply subtract 4 from the mass number and 2 from the atomic number.

For a better particle emission, the mass number stays the same. It is only the atomic number that is affected. Beta decay could be a positive one or a negative one. For a positive beta decay, there is a decrease in the atomic number but for a negative beta decay which is of course is more popular, there would be an increase in the number of protons.