When tungsten undergoes alpha decay, it loses an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The general form of the nuclear decay can be written as:
\[ _{Z}^{A}X \rightarrow _{Z'}^{A'}Y + _{2}^{4}\text{He} \]
Where:
- \(X\) is the parent element (tungsten).
- \(Y\) is the daughter element after decay.
- The alpha particle is represented as \(_{2}^{4}\text{He}\).
Step 1: Identify Tungsten
Tungsten has the atomic number \(Z = 74\) and an atomic mass \(A\) that depends on the isotope. The most stable isotope of tungsten is \(^{184}\text{W}\). For our example, let’s use \(^{184}\text{W}\) (although \(^{186}\text{W}\) is also common).
Step 2: Set Up the Equation
For alpha decay:
- Initial element: Tungsten (W)
- After alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2 (due to the loss of 2 protons), and the mass number decreases by 4 (due to the loss of the alpha particle).
Step 3: Calculate New Values
-
Atomic Mass (A): \[ A' = A - 4 = 184 - 4 = 180 \]
-
Atomic Number (Z): \[ Z' = Z - 2 = 74 - 2 = 72 \]
-
Identify New Element (Y): The element with \(Z = 72\) is Hafnium (Hf).
Step 4: Write the Balanced Equation
Now we can write the balanced nuclear reaction equation for the alpha decay of tungsten:
\[ _{74}^{184}\text{W} \rightarrow _{72}^{180}\text{Hf} + _{2}^{4}\text{He} \]
Thus, when tungsten undergoes alpha decay, it transmutates into Hafnium (Hf).
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