Multiple Choice
What is the daughter nuclide produced when Po-218 undergoes alpha decay?
21. Nuclear Chemistry
Intro to Radioactivity
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The daughter nuclide of positron emission will differ from the parent nuclide by
A
having the same number of protons, but one less neutron.
B
having one less neutron and one less proton.
C
having the same number of neutrons, but one less proton.
D
having one less proton and one more neutron.
E
having one less neutron and one more proton.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of positron emission: Positron emission is a type of beta decay where a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
Identify the change in the atomic number: Since a proton is converted into a neutron, the atomic number decreases by one. This means the daughter nuclide will have one less proton than the parent nuclide.
Identify the change in the neutron number: The conversion of a proton into a neutron increases the neutron count by one. Therefore, the daughter nuclide will have one more neutron than the parent nuclide.
Consider the implications for the nuclide: The daughter nuclide will have a different element identity due to the change in the atomic number, but the mass number remains the same because the total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) is unchanged.
Conclude the characteristics of the daughter nuclide: The daughter nuclide will have one less proton and one more neutron compared to the parent nuclide, which matches the correct answer provided.
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