Question

Since lead is a stable element, why doesn’t the ${}^{\mathbf{238}}\mathit{U}$decay series shown in Fig. 43.7 stop at lead, ${}^{\mathbf{214}}\mathit{P}\mathit{b}$?

Short answer

The lead has stable isotopes and stable radioactive also there is no such a thing as stable element and isotopes ${}^{214}Pb$is one of the lead’s radioactive isotopes.

Step-by-step solution

Define the isotopes.

The two or more atoms having the same atomic number and different mass numbers are known as isotopes.

For example: ${}_8{}^{16}O$and${}_8{}^{15}O$

Explain why doesn’t U238 decay series stops at lead, P214b.

Since, the lead has stable isotopes and stable radioactive also there is no such thing as a stable element and isotopes ${}^{214}Pb$is one of the lead’s radioactive isotopes.

That is why the ${}^{238}U$decay series does not stop at lead ${}^{214}Pb$.