The nuclide Pb-210 undergoes three successive decays (beta, alpha, and beta, respectively) to form a stable nuclide. What are the three nuclides that 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 are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pb-210 undergoes a beta decay to form Bi-210. Bi-210 then undergoes an alpha decay to form Tl-206. Finally, Tl-206 undergoes a beta decay to form Pb-206, which is stable. Therefore, the three nuclides that form from Pb-210 in this decay series are Bi-210, Tl-206, and Pb-206, which corresponds to choice B.

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