An atom of Radium-228 transmutes to radon-222. Write the nuclear equation for this decay....
How ??
To write the nuclear equation for the decay of Radium-228 to Radon-222, we first need to understand the type of decay occurring. In this case, it is alpha decay, which involves the emission of an alpha particle.
Here's how you can write the nuclear equation for this decay:
1. Determine the atomic and mass numbers of the elements involved:
- Radium-228 has an atomic number of 88 (number of protons) and a mass number of 228 (sum of protons and neutrons).
- Radon-222 has an atomic number of 86 and a mass number of 222.
2. Write the nuclear equation by representing the alpha particle (which contains two protons and two neutrons) as a helium-4 nucleus:
- Radium-228 becomes Radon-222 after emitting an alpha particle.
- The alpha particle is represented as a helium-4 nucleus (atomic number 2 and mass number 4) since it contains two protons and two neutrons.
Combining these steps, the nuclear equation for the decay of Radium-228 to Radon-222 looks like this:
^228Ra -> ^4He + ^222Rn
Here, the arrow represents the decay process, and the superscripts indicate the atomic and mass numbers of the elements involved.