²¹⁸Po → ⁴He + ²¹⁴Pb
Here's what this equation means:
* ²¹⁸Po: This represents the parent nucleus, polonium-218, with 84 protons and 134 neutrons.
* ⁴He: This represents the alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
* ²¹⁴Pb: This represents the daughter nucleus, lead-214, which is formed after the alpha particle is emitted. It has 82 protons and 132 neutrons.
Explanation:
During alpha decay, the unstable polonium-218 nucleus emits an alpha particle. This process reduces the atomic number by 2 (from 84 to 82) and the mass number by 4 (from 218 to 214), resulting in the formation of lead-214.