High School

What isotope is the product of the alpha decay of cesium-137?

A. Iodine-133
B. Barium-131
C. Neodymium-141
D. Iodine-141

Answer :

Final answer:

The product of the alpha decay of cesium-137 is barium-133. The alpha decay process reduces the atomic number of cesium, resulting in the formation of barium. While your options mention barium-131, the correct isotope is actually barium-133.


Explanation:

Alpha Decay of Cesium-137

When cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) undergoes alpha decay, it emits an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) and transforms into a different element. Since alpha decay decreases the atomic number of the original nucleus by 2, the daughter nuclide formed is barium-133 (¹³³Ba), which has the atomic number 56. The equation representing this decay is as follows:

¹³⁷Cs → ¹³³Ba + α

Therefore, out of the options provided:

  • Olodine-133
  • Barium-131
  • Neodymium-141
  • Olodine-141

the correct product of the alpha decay of cesium-137 is Barium-133, as it has the right atomic number and mass number. Note that there is a naming error in your options; the correct daughter product after alpha decay is barium-133, not barium-131.


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