The nuclide Pb-210 undergoes three successive decays (beta, alpha, and beta, respectively) to form a stable nuclide. What are the three nuclides which form from Pb-210 in this decay series?
A) Tl-210, Au-206, Pt-206
B) Bi-210, Tl-206, Pb-206
C) Pb-209, Hg-205, Hg-204
D) Bi-210, Pb-206, Bi-206
E) None of these choices is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pb-210 undergoes beta decay to form Bi-210. Bi-210 undergoes alpha decay to form Tl-206. Finally, Tl-206 undergoes beta decay to form Pb-206. Therefore, the three nuclides formed in the decay series of Pb-210 are Bi-210, Tl-206, and Pb-206, which is option B.

The Nuclide Pb-210 Undergoes Three Successive Decays (Beta, Alpha, and Beta