Question

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) 82 80 210 208

Explanation:

Step1: Recall alpha - particle composition

An alpha - particle has an atomic number of 2 and a mass number of 4.

Step2: Apply conservation of atomic number in nuclear reaction

The initial atomic number of polonium is 84. When it emits an alpha - particle, the atomic number of the product (lead) is the initial atomic number of polonium minus the atomic number of the alpha - particle. So, the atomic number of lead $Z = 84−2$.

Step3: Calculate the atomic number of lead

$Z=82$.

Answer:

82 (corresponding to the first option in the multiple - choice list)