polonium has a mass number of 212 and an atomic number of 84. in a balanced nuclear reaction, polonium…
polonium has a mass number of 212 and an atomic number of 84. in a balanced nuclear reaction, polonium releases an alpha particle to produce lead. which option is the atomic number of lead? (1 point)\n210\n82\n80\n208
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall alpha - particle composition
An alpha - particle is $_{2}^{4}\text{He}$, which has a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2.
Step2: Use conservation of atomic number in nuclear reaction
Polonium has an atomic number of 84 ($Z = 84$). When it emits an alpha - particle, the atomic number of the resulting lead is $Z_{Pb}=84 - 2=82$.
Answer:
82