Chemistry, 28.01.2020 14:58 AnnaValentine2764

Bismuth-211 decays by emitting an alpha particle.

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The alpha decay of Bismuth-211 occurs as $\boxed{_{83}^{211}{\text{Bi }} \to {\text{ }}_{81}^{207}{\text{Tl }} + {\text{ }}_2^4{\text{He}}}$ .

Further Explanation:

Radioactive decay:

Also known as nuclear decay, radioactivity, nuclear or radioactive disintegration. It is the process due to which an unstable atomic nucleus releases its energy in the form of various particles such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles.

Following are the types of radioactive decays:

1. Alpha decay

In this decay, alpha particles are emitted by unstable nuclei. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons. It has a charge of +2. The general equation for an alpha decay is as follows:

$_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}} \to _{{\text{Z - 2}}}^{{\text{A - 4}}}{\text{X}} + _{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}{\text{He}}$

2. Beta decay

In this decay, beta particles are produced. This occurs when the nucleus decays continuously and emits an electron or a positron. The general equation for beta decay is as follows:

$_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}} \to _{{\text{Z + 1}}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}} + _{{\text{ - 1}}}^{\text{0}}{\beta }}$

3. Gamma decay

In this decay, gamma rays are emitted. Energy is emitted during gamma decay but the number of protons remains unaltered. The general equation for gamma decay is as follows:

$_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}} \to _{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}{\text{X}} + _{\text{0}}^{\text{0}}{\gamma }}$

The atomic number of Bi is 83. It indicates it has 83 protons in it. Bismuth-211 shows that 211 is its mass number. As it undergoes alpha decay, an alpha particle will be emitted. The nuclear reaction for alpha decay of Bismuth-211 occurs as follows:

$_{{\text{83}}}^{{\text{211}}}{\text{Bi}} \to _{{\text{Z - 2}}}^{{\text{A - 4}}}{\text{X}} + _{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}{\text{He}}$

Here, X is the new nuclide with atomic mass A and atomic number Z.

As the law of conservation of mass holds good for all reactions, the total mass of the reactants' side must be equal to the products' side and total charge of reactants must be equal to the products side.

Since an alpha particle is produced in alpha decay of Bi-211. So the atomic number of the product nuclide decreases by 2 and its mass number decreases by 4. According to the periodic table, the element with atomic number 81 is thallium and has an atomic number of 207.

Thus, the alpha decay of Bismuth-211occurs as follows:

$_{83}^{211}{\text{Bi }} \to {\text{ }}_{81}^{207}{\text{Tl }} + {\text{ }}_2^4{\text{He}}$

Learn more:

1. What nuclide will be produced in the given reaction?

2. Calculate the nuclear binding energy:

Answer details:

Grade: Senior School

Subject: Chemistry

Chapter: Nuclear chemistry

Keywords: bismuth-211, atomic number, mass number, 207, thallium, alpha, beta, gamma, helium nucleus.

Answer from: Quest

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Answer from: Quest

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