Respuesta :
Hi! the atom in this particular problem has emitted an alpha particle in a nuclear reaction.
Glad I could help, and happy learning!
Glad I could help, and happy learning!
Answer: The atom undergoes alpha decay.
Explanation: An atom has 84 protons and 86 neutrons initially. When this atom undergoes a reaction the product obtained has 82 protons and 84 neutrons.
As the product obtained has 2 protons less and 2 neutrons less which means that the mass number is decreased by 4 units and atomic number is reduced by 2 units.
The atom undergoes an alpha-decay because in this decay the particle emitted is alpha particle which has an atomic number of 2 and atomic mass of 4 units.
Equation follows:
[tex]_{84}^{170}\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{82}^{166}\textrm{Y}+_2^4\alpha[/tex]
The atom which is undergoing alpha decay is Polonium (Po) and the product formed is Lead (Pb).
