Question

A polonium atom has 84 protons, 124 neutrons, and 84 electrons. What will it change to during alpha decay?

A lead atom with 82 protons, 122 neutrons, and 84 electrons
A bismuth atom with 83 protons, 123 neutrons, and 84 electrons
A polonium atom with 84 protons, 124 neutrons, and 85 electrons
An astatine atom with 85 protons, 123 neutrons, and 84 electrons

Answer 1

@pooja195

Answer 2

Alpha decay is in essence, the atom giving off a Helium nucleus. Thus, you should expect to see it lose two protons (which decreases the atomic number by 2) and two neutrons, and a drop of 4 in the atomic mass.

Answer 3

protons 84-2
neutrons 124 - 2