Radioactive Decay and Isotopes

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 88 views

Introduction

Radioactive decay is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This process can result in the transformation of one element into another, a phenomenon known as radioactive decay. In this article, we will explore the concept of isotopes and how they undergo radioactive decay to produce a stable isotope, such as lead-206 ( $Pb-206$ ).

What are Isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the element's identity, while the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in different isotopes of the same element. For example, lead-206 ( $Pb-206$ ) has 82 protons and 124 neutrons, while lead-207 ( $Pb-207$ ) has 82 protons and 125 neutrons.

Radioactive Decay and Isotopes

Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable isotope loses energy by emitting radiation. This process can result in the transformation of one element into another. In the case of lead-206 ( $Pb-206$ ), it is a stable isotope that can be produced through the radioactive decay of other isotopes. To identify the correct atomic symbol that represents an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to produce $Pb-206$ , we need to consider the possible isotopes that can decay to produce lead-206.

Identifying the Correct Atomic Symbol

To identify the correct atomic symbol, we need to consider the possible isotopes that can decay to produce lead-206. One possible isotope that can decay to produce lead-206 is thorium-210 ( $Th-210$ ). Thorium-210 is an unstable isotope that undergoes alpha decay to produce lead-206. The alpha decay process involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This process results in the transformation of thorium-210 into lead-206.

The Atomic Symbol for Thorium-210

The atomic symbol for thorium-210 is $${ }_{90}^{210} Th$$. This symbol represents an isotope with 90 protons and 120 neutrons. The number 90 in the atomic symbol represents the number of protons in the thorium nucleus, while the number 210 represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) in the nucleus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the atomic symbol $${ }_{90}^{210} Th$$ represents an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to produce lead-206 ( $Pb-206$ ). This isotope, thorium-210 ( $Th-210$ ), is an unstable isotope that undergoes alpha decay to produce lead-206. Understanding the concept of isotopes and radioactive decay is essential in identifying the correct atomic symbol that represents an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to produce a stable isotope like lead-206.

Understanding Radioactive Decay and Isotopes: A Guide to Identifying the Correct Atomic Symbol

What is Radioactive Decay?

Types of Radioactive Decay

There are several types of radioactive decay, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is either a positron or an electron. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma radiation, which is a high-energy electromagnetic wave.

Isotopes and Radioactive Decay

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the element's identity, while the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in different isotopes of the same element. Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable isotope loses energy by emitting radiation. This process can result in the transformation of one element into another.

The Importance of Understanding Radioactive Decay and Isotopes

Understanding radioactive decay and isotopes is essential in various fields, including nuclear physics, chemistry, and medicine. Radioactive decay is used in nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat diseases, while isotopes are used in various applications, including nuclear power generation and food irradiation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding radioactive decay and isotopes is essential in identifying the correct atomic symbol that represents an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to produce a stable isotope like lead-206. The atomic symbol $${ }_{90}^{210} Th$$ represents an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to produce lead-206 ( $Pb-206$ ). This isotope, thorium-210 ( $Th-210$ ), is an unstable isotope that undergoes alpha decay to produce lead-206.

Q: What is radioactive decay?

A: Radioactive decay is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This process can result in the transformation of one element into another, a phenomenon known as radioactive decay.

Q: What are isotopes?

A: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the element's identity, while the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in different isotopes of the same element.

Q: What are the different types of radioactive decay?

A: There are several types of radioactive decay, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is either a positron or an electron. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma radiation, which is a high-energy electromagnetic wave.

Q: What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma decay?

A: Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a high-energy particle that consists of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is either a positron or an electron. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma radiation, which is a high-energy electromagnetic wave.

Q: What is the significance of radioactive decay in nuclear medicine?

A: Radioactive decay is used in nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat diseases. Radioactive isotopes are used to create images of the body's internal structures, while radioactive decay is used to destroy cancer cells.

Q: What are some common applications of isotopes?

A: Isotopes are used in various applications, including nuclear power generation, food irradiation, and medical research. Isotopes are also used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic components.

Q: What is the difference between a stable isotope and an unstable isotope?

A: A stable isotope is an isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay, while an unstable isotope is an isotope that undergoes radioactive decay. Stable isotopes are typically used in applications where a long half-life is required, while unstable isotopes are used in applications where a short half-life is required.

Q: What is the half-life of an isotope?

A: The half-life of an isotope is the time it takes for half of the isotope's atoms to undergo radioactive decay. The half-life of an isotope is a measure of its stability and is used to determine the amount of time it takes for an isotope to decay.

Q: How are isotopes used in food irradiation?

A: Isotopes are used in food irradiation to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Isotopes are used to create a radiation field that kills microorganisms without affecting the nutritional value of the food.

Q: What are some common isotopes used in nuclear power generation?

A: Some common isotopes used in nuclear power generation include uranium-235 ( $U-235$ ), uranium-238 ( $U-238$ ), and plutonium-239 ( $Pu-239$ ). These isotopes are used as fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity.

Q: What is the difference between a nuclear reactor and a nuclear power plant?

A: A nuclear reactor is a device that generates heat through nuclear fission, while a nuclear power plant is a facility that generates electricity from the heat produced by a nuclear reactor.

Q: What are some common applications of gamma radiation?

A: Gamma radiation is used in various applications, including cancer treatment, food irradiation, and sterilization of medical equipment. Gamma radiation is also used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic components.

Q: What is the difference between gamma radiation and X-rays?

A: Gamma radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic wave that is produced by the decay of unstable atomic nuclei, while X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that is produced by the acceleration of electrons.