The atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons it has. In this case, polonium has an atomic number of 84. When it releases an alpha particle, it loses 2 protons, so the resulting element, lead, must have an atomic number that is 2 less than 84.
Therefore, the correct option is A. 82
Polonium has a mass number of 212 and an atomic number of 84, In balanced nuclear reaction, polonium releases an alpha particle to produce lead. Which option is the atomic number of lead?
A. 82
B. 208
C. 80
D. 210
1 answer
1 answer