The atomic numbers and masses must added up on both sides of the equation just as we must have the same number of atoms on each side of an equation when it is balanced. Ejection of a "thing" with 2 protons and 2 nuetrons is a He nucleus which is an alpha particle.
88Ra226 ==>86X222 + 2He4
All we have done is write the Ra isotope down and remove 2 protons (88-2=86) and 4 in mass number (2 protons + 2 neutrons = mass of 4 and 226-4=222). This forms a new element X, so what is it. We look on the periodic table and find an element with atomic number 86, then replace the X with the symbol for the element. If you don't have periodic table handy, here is one on the web.
http://www.webelements.com/
Writing subscripts and superscripts is not easy on the computer; if I have made an error I will correct it with a follow up post.
Which element results if two protons and two neutrons are ejected from a radium nucleus with atomic number 88 and mass number 226? (I must show my workings), but i am totally lost!!!
To determine the element resulting from the ejection of two protons and two neutrons from a radium nucleus, follow these steps:
1. Start with the information given about the radium nucleus: atomic number = 88 and mass number = 226.
2. Identify the symbol for the element with atomic number 88. In this case, it is radium (Ra).
3. Subtract 2 protons from the atomic number: 88 - 2 = 86. This gives you the atomic number for the new element.
4. Subtract 4 (2 protons + 2 neutrons) from the mass number: 226 - 4 = 222. This gives you the mass number for the new element.
5. The resulting element has an atomic number of 86 and a mass number of 222.
6. Refer to the periodic table to find the element with atomic number 86. If you don't have a periodic table handy, you can use the web link provided: http://www.webelements.com/
7. Look for the element with atomic number 86 and find its symbol. The element with atomic number 86 is radon (Rn).
8. Substitute the symbol for the new element into the equation. The final balanced equation is:
88 Ra^226 => 86 Rn^222 + 2 He^4
So, the element that results from the ejection of two protons and two neutrons from a radium nucleus is radon (Rn).