Solved: In 2006, an ex-KGB agent was murdered in London.

Chapter 19, Problem 103P

(choose chapter or problem)

In 2006, an ex-KGB agent was murdered in London. Subsequent investigation showed that the cause of death was poisoning with the radioactive isotope \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\), which was added to his drinks/food. (a) \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\) is prepared by bombarding \({ }^{209} \mathrm{Bi}\) with neutrons. Write an equation for the reaction. (b) Who discovered the element polonium? (Hint: See Appendix 1.) (c) The halflife of \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\) is 138 d. It decays with the emission of an \(\alpha\) particle. Write an equation for the decay process. (d) Calculate the energy of an emitted \(\alpha\) particle. Assume both the parent and daughter nuclei to have zero kinetic energy. The atomic masses are: \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\) (209.98285 amu), \({ }^{206} \mathrm{Pb}\) (205.97444 amu), \({ }_{2}^{4} \alpha\) (4.00150 amu). (e) Ingestion of 1 \(\mu \mathrm{g}\) of \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\) could prove fatal. What is the total energy released by this quantity of \({ }^{210} \mathrm{Po}\)?