Understanding Beta Decay
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom transforms into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino.
Bismuth's Decay
Bismuth-210 (²¹⁰Bi) is the most common isotope of bismuth that undergoes beta decay. Here's what happens:
* Parent Nucleus: ²¹⁰Bi
* Decay Process: A neutron in the ²¹⁰Bi nucleus transforms into a proton.
* Daughter Nucleus: The number of protons increases by one, transforming bismuth (Bi, atomic number 83) into polonium (Po, atomic number 84). The mass number remains the same.
* Emitted Particles: A beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino are emitted.
The Reaction:
²¹⁰Bi → ²¹⁰Po + e⁻ + ν̅ₑ
Therefore, the product of beta decay of bismuth-210 is polonium-210 (²¹⁰Po).
