Radioactive Decay of Element 82-214

AI Thread Summary
Element 82 with a mass number of 214 decays to an element with the same atomic number but a mass number of 210. The discussion centers on identifying the correct emissions that achieve this decay. It is clarified that beta particles do not change the mass number, while alpha particles do. The correct emissions include two beta particles and one alpha particle, as this combination maintains the atomic number while reducing the mass number by four. The confusion about the ability of a nucleus to emit both types of particles is addressed, confirming that the emissions can coexist in this decay process.
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Homework Statement



An element of atomic number 82 and mass number 214 decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 82 and mass number 210.
Which of the following emissions achieve this result?
Check all that apply.
a. four beta particles
b. two beta particles and one alpha particle
c. two alpha particles
d. one alpha particle


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that an atom cannot emit both alpha particles and beta particles.
so the options are down to a, c, and d.
but if the atom emits beta particle, the atomic mass number doesn't change,
but if the atom emits alpha particle, the atomic number should change.
but in this problem, only the atomic mass number change, but the atomic number does not change. so I'm really confused.

please help me..
thanks in advance..
 
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You have to change the mass number by 4 and the charge number by 0. Maybe you are wrong to have eliminated b). Why do you think a nucleus can't emit both alphas and betas?
 
I got it..
Thank you to Dick.. :)
 
An element of atomic number 82 and mass number 214 decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 82 and mass number 210.
making use of mathematics.
a beta decay got and increase in proton number but has no change in the mass number

so. 214-210 = 4 => from 1 alpha decay
82-2 = 80 +2 = 82 =>2 beta decays
 
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