Question

When radon-222 undergoes alpha decay, it transmutates into what daughter nucleus?

Answer 1

Answer : The daughter nucleus is, polonium (Po).

Explanation :

Alpha decay : In this process, alpha particles is emitted when a heavier nuclei decays into lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released has a charge of +2 units.

The general representation of alpha decay reaction is:

`_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _(Z-2)^(A-4)Y+_2^4\alpha`

The complete alpha decay reaction will be,

`_(86)^(222)\textrm{Rn}\rightarrow _(84)^(218)\textrm{Po}+_2^4He`

From this we conclude that, when radon-222 undergoes alpha decay then it transmutates into polonium daughter nucleus.

Hence, the daughter nucleus is, polonium (Po).