Chapter 2, Problem 3CT

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The element formed when an atom of $\text{P}\text{o}$ emits an alpha particle.

Introduction:

The number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom is called "atomic number". Total number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus are called the "mass number" of an atom. Atoms of the same element that contain the same number of protons but different number of neutrons are known as isotopes. Atomic number remains same in isotopes. There is a change in mass number in case of isotopes. Radioisotopes are the isotopes with an unstable nucleus that emits radiation on decay.