The equation that represents the α-decay of Polonium is

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The question asks for the equation that represents the α-decay of Polonium. To evaluate each option, we need to apply the basic rule of α-decay: the parent nucleus loses an alpha particle, which has mass number A = 4 and atomic number Z = 2. Consequently, the daughter nucleus has A decreased by 4 and Z decreased by 2, and the emitted product is 4/2 He (alpha particle).

Option a: It shows a parent nucleus with mass number 209 (Po-209) decaying, which is incompatible with the common or any typical Po isotope undergoing α-decay. If it were Po-209, the alpha decay would lead to Pb-205 (since 209 − 4 = 205 and Z 84 − 2 = 82), but the product in the option does not clearly present 205/82 Pb in the expected simple α-decay form. Overall, this option misstates the parent mass number and does not present the clean α-decay product.

Option b: This option lists Po-209 decaying to Pb-205 plus additional particles like 2(n) and 2(H) (neutrons and protons from other processes), which is not characteristic of a pure α-decay reaction. Alpha decay should produce only the daughter nucleus and an alpha particle, not extra nucleons or odd combinations. Therefore, this is not a correct representation of α-decay.

Option c: Again, Po-209 is shown as the parent, not Po-210, and the products include 4/2 He but are entangled with other products such as neutrons or protons that do not belong to a simple α-decay equation. The presence of extra particles indicates this is not a plain α-decay process.

Option d: This option also uses Po-209 as the parent and includes 4(ion) or other non-alpha representations, which diverge from the standard α-decay description. The combination shown does not match the expected clean Po → Pb + α format, so it is not correct.

Across all options, the critical issue is the incorrect parent mass number (209 instead of 210 for the common Po isotope involved in α-decay) and the lack of a pristine Po → Pb + α balance. In true α-decay, you should see something like 210/84 Po → 206/82 Pb + 4/2 He, with no extra particles.

In summary, none of the given choices presents the correct, textbook α-decay equation for Polonium, which would require Po-210 as the parent and the products Pb-206 and an alpha particle (He-4) with no additional particles.

MUF0122 Physics Unit 2 - Semester 2, 2025 11.14 Decay equations

The equation that represents the α-decay of Polonium is

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