
Interpretation : Isotope name and
Concept introduction : Unstable elements can be changed to new elements by emitting subatomic particles. When alpha particles are emitted from nucleus of an atom, it is called alpha decay. The alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Answer to Problem 8E
The following table shows isotope name and symbol of new element formed due to alpha emission.
New isotope formed | symbol | stability | |
Platinum - 175 | Osmium - 171 | 171 46Os | |
Gadolinium - 149 | Samarium - 145 | 145 62 Sm | |
Americium - 241 | Neptunium - 237 | 237 93 Np | |
Thorium - 232 | Radium - 228 | 228 88 Ra |
Explanation of Solution
Given information: The following isotopes of elements are given.
Platinum - 175, Gadolinium - 149, Americium - 241, Thorium - 232
From the periodic table we get to know the
- Platinum - 175- Atomic number of platinum is 78. During alpha decay, an alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of an atom. It consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. So the number of protons decrease by two and number of neutrons decrease by two in the nucleus. The
atomic mass decrease by 4 and the atomic number also decreases by 2. So the atomic number of new atom becomes 76, and the mass number becomes 171. The new isotope with 76 as atomic number is osmium - 171. From the isotope graph we can see that it is not a stable atom as there is no square corresponding to 76 protons and 95 neutrons. The equation for this is:
- Gadolinium - 149- Atomic number of gadolinium is 64. During alpha decay, an alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of an atom. It consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. So the number of protons decrease by two and number of neutrons decrease by two in the nucleus. The atomic mass decrease by 4 and the atomic number also decreases by 2. So the atomic number of new atom becomes 62, and the mass number becomes 145. The new isotope with 62 as atomic number is samarium - 145. From the isotope graph we can see that it is not a stable atom as there is no square corresponding to 62 protons and 83 neutrons. The equation for this is:
- Americium-241- Atomic number of americium is 95. During alpha decay, an alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of an atom. It consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. So the number of protons decrease by two and number of neutrons decrease by two in the nucleus. The atomic mass decrease by 4 and the atomic number also decreases by 2. So the atomic number of new atom becomes 93, and the mass number becomes 237. The new isotope with 93 as atomic number is neptunium. From the isotope graph we can see that it is not a stable atom. The equation for this is:
- Thorium - 232- Atomic number of thorium is 90. During alpha decay, an alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of an atom. It consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. So the number of protons decrease by two and number of neutrons decrease by two in the nucleus. The atomic mass decrease by 4and the atomic number also decreases by 2. So the atomic number of new atom becomes 88, and the mass number becomes 228. The new isotope with 88 as atomic number is radium. From the isotope graph we can see that it is not a stable atom. The equation for this is:
Alpha decay causes the atomic number to decrease by two so one move two spaces backward in the periodic table. None of the new isotopes formed are stable atoms.
Chapter U1 Solutions
Living By Chemistry: First Edition Textbook
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (2nd Edition)
Chemistry: The Central Science (14th Edition)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, Vol. 1 (Chs 1-21) (4th Edition)
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
- Steps and explanation please. Add how to solve or target similar problems.arrow_forwardWould the following organic synthesis occur in one step? Add any missing products, required catalysts, inorganic reagents, and other important conditions. Please include a detailed explanation and drawings showing how the reaction may occur in one step.arrow_forwardThis organic molecule is dissolved in an acidic aqueous solution: OH OH A short time later sensitive infrared spectroscopy reveals the presence of a new C = O stretch absorption. That is, there must now be a new molecule present with at least one C = O bond. In the drawing area below, show the detailed mechanism that could convert the molecule above into the new molecule. Videos 849 Explanation Check C Click and drag to start dwing a structure. # 3 MAR 23 Add/Remove steparrow_forward||| 7:47 ull 57% ← Problem 19 of 48 Submit Curved arrows are used to illustrate the flow of electrons. Use the reaction conditions provided and follow the curved arrows to draw the product of this carbocation rearrangement. Include all lone pairs and charges as appropriate. H 1,2-alkyl shift +arrow_forwardWould the following organic synthesis occur in one step? Add any missing products, required catalysts, inorganic reagents, and other important conditions. Please include a detailed explanation and drawings showing how the reaction may occur in one step.arrow_forwardBelow is the SN1 reaction of (S)-3-chlorocyclohexene and hydroxide (OH). Draw the missing curved arrows, lone pairs of electrons, and nonzero formal charges. In the third box, draw the two enantiomeric products that will be produced. 5th attempt Please draw all four bonds at chiral centers. Draw the two enantiomeric products that will be produced. Draw in any hydrogen at chiral centers. 1000 4th attempt Feedback Please draw all four bonds at chiral centers. 8. R5 HO: See Periodic Table See Hint H Cl Br Jid See Periodic Table See Hintarrow_forwardarrow_back_iosSEE MORE QUESTIONSarrow_forward_ios
- ChemistryChemistryISBN:9781305957404Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCostePublisher:Cengage LearningChemistryChemistryISBN:9781259911156Author:Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill EducationPrinciples of Instrumental AnalysisChemistryISBN:9781305577213Author:Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. CrouchPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Organic ChemistryChemistryISBN:9780078021558Author:Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.Publisher:McGraw-Hill EducationChemistry: Principles and ReactionsChemistryISBN:9781305079373Author:William L. Masterton, Cecile N. HurleyPublisher:Cengage LearningElementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind...ChemistryISBN:9781118431221Author:Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. BullardPublisher:WILEY





