The Nuclear Equation for the Decay of Lead-210 to Bismuth-210 by Beta Emission

Understanding Beta Decay

The nuclear equation for the decay of lead-210 to bismuth-210 by beta emission involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton and an electron, resulting in the emission of a beta particle.

The nuclear equation for the decay of lead-210 to bismuth-210 by beta emission can be written as:

$$^{210}_{82}Pb \rightarrow ^{210}_{83}Bi + ^{0}_{-1}e^{-}$$

In this equation, the atomic number of lead (Pb) is 82, which means it has 82 protons in its nucleus. The atomic mass of lead-210 is 210, which means it has 128 neutrons (since 210 - 82 = 128).

During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of the lead-210 atom is converted into a proton and an electron. The proton stays in the nucleus and increases the atomic number by 1, creating bismuth (Bi). The electron, which has a negative charge, is emitted from the nucleus as a beta particle.

The resulting nucleus is bismuth-210, which has an atomic number of 83 and an atomic mass of 210 (since 210 - 83 = 127 neutrons). Bismuth-210 is also radioactive and undergoes further radioactive decay until it reaches a stable nucleus.

Significance of Beta Decay

Beta decay is one of the three main types of radioactive decay, along with alpha decay and gamma decay. It occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton and an electron, which is emitted from the nucleus as a beta particle. Beta decay plays an important role in nuclear physics and has many practical applications, including in medical imaging and cancer treatment.

What is the nuclear equation for the decay of lead-210 to bismuth-210 by beta emission?

The nuclear equation for the decay of lead-210 to bismuth-210 by beta emission is: $$^{210}_{82}Pb \rightarrow ^{210}_{83}Bi + ^{0}_{-1}e^{-}$$