Radon - 222 emits an alpha particle. What would its new atomic number and identity be?
Radon-222 (222 86 RN)
A. Francium - 223
B. Radium - 226
C. Astatine - 221
D. Polonium - 218
The emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus, results in a loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons from the original atom. Therefore, the new atomic number is 86 - 2 = 84.
The correct answer is D. Polonium-218 (218 84 Po) is formed after the emission of an alpha particle from Radon-222.