If the following element undergoes alpha decay, which element does it change into?
a
Uranium (U)
b
Francium (Fr)
c
Radium (Ra)
d
Radon (Rn)
b
Francium (Fr)
If Uranium (U) undergoes alpha decay, it changes into Thorium (Th).
To determine the element produced by alpha decay, you need to understand the process of alpha decay and the properties of the elements involved.
Alpha decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is identical to a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This emission reduces the atomic number of the original element by 2 and the mass number by 4.
In the given options, the element that undergoes alpha decay is Radium (Ra), which has an atomic number of 88. During alpha decay, Ra emits an alpha particle, resulting in a decrease of its atomic number to 86 and its mass number to 222.
Therefore, the correct element formed after the alpha decay of Radium (Ra) is Radon (Rn), as Radon has an atomic number of 86.
In summary, the answer is option d: Radon (Rn).