Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

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2:39 minutes

Problem 66a

Textbook Question

Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following:
a. Polonium-210 decays to give lead-206.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of nuclear decay occurring. Polonium-210 (Po-210) decays to lead-206 (Pb-206), which suggests an alpha decay process. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (⁴₂He) is emitted.

Write the general form of an alpha decay equation:

A_{parent} \to {A'}_{daughter} + {He}^{4}

Determine the atomic number and mass number of the parent isotope (Po-210). Polonium has an atomic number of 84 and a mass number of 210. Represent it as:

{Po}^{210}

Subtract the mass and atomic numbers of the alpha particle (⁴₂He) from the parent isotope to find the daughter isotope. The mass number decreases by 4 (210 - 4 = 206), and the atomic number decreases by 2 (84 - 2 = 82). The daughter isotope is lead-206 (Pb-206).

Write the balanced nuclear equation:

{Po}^{210} \to {Pb}^{206} + {He}^{4}

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. In the case of Polonium-210, it undergoes alpha decay, where it emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and transforms into a different element, lead-206.

Balanced Nuclear Equation

A balanced nuclear equation represents the transformation of one element into another during a nuclear reaction, ensuring that the total number of protons and neutrons is conserved. In these equations, the atomic numbers and mass numbers of the reactants and products must be equal. This balance is crucial for accurately depicting the decay process and the resulting elements.

Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a type of radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. It is emitted during alpha decay, a common form of radioactive decay for heavy elements like Polonium-210. The emission of an alpha particle reduces the atomic number of the original element by two and the mass number by four, leading to the formation of a new element.

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