Question

Which of the following is a radioactive radon daughter?

1) cobolt-60
2) helium-4
3) polonium-218
4) uranium-238

Answer 1

3. Polonium-218 (218Po) is the correct answer as it is a radioactive radon daughter produced from alpha decay of Radon-222 (222Rn).

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided, Polonium-218 (218Po) is a radioactive radon daughter isotope. Radon-222 (222Rn), a noble gas, is part of a decay series originating from uranium-238 (238U). After radon-222 undergoes alpha decay, which involves emitting an alpha particle equivalent to helium-4 (He-4), it transforms into Polonium-218. This can be represented by the nuclear equation 222Rn → He + 218Po.

Therefore, 3. Polonium-218 is the correct answer as it is a decay product of Radon-222 and is itself radioactive.