Identify and write the symbol for each of the five nuclides in the decay series shown in Problem.

Nuclides are distinct nuclear species characterized by their number of protons and neutrons. Each nuclide is represented by a chemical symbol, which includes the element's symbol and its atomic mass. Understanding nuclides is essential for identifying the specific isotopes involved in nuclear reactions and decay processes.

A decay series is a sequence of nuclear reactions in which an unstable nuclide transforms into a series of other nuclides until a stable one is reached. Each step in the series involves the emission of radiation, such as alpha or beta particles. Recognizing the order and types of decay is crucial for determining the symbols of the nuclides involved.

Nuclear symbols are shorthand representations of nuclides that include the element's symbol, atomic number (number of protons), and mass number (total number of protons and neutrons). For example, the symbol for carbon-14 is written as ¹⁴C, where 14 is the mass number. Familiarity with these symbols is necessary for accurately identifying and writing the nuclides in a decay series.