The isotope $\begin{array} { c }
226 \
88
\end{array}$ Ra decays to $\begin{array} { c }
222 \
86
\end{array}$ Rn by emitting radiation.What type of radiation is emitted?

Question

The isotope $\begin{array} { c } 
226 \
88
\end{array}$ Ra decays to $\begin{array} { c } 
222 \
86
\end{array}$ Rn by emitting radiation.What type of radiation is emitted?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The isotope decays by emitting an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This results in a decrease of 2 in the atomic number (from 88 to 86) and a decrease of 4 in the mass number (from 226 to 222), characteristic of alpha decay.

The Isotope 22688\begin{array} { c } 226 \\88\end{array}22688​ Ra Decays To 22286\begin{array} { c } 222 \\86\end{array}22286​

The Isotope $\begin{array} { c } 226 \\88\end{array}$ Ra Decays To $\begin{array} { c } 222 \\86\end{array}$