Final answer:
The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Radon-222 is 226 Rn → 222 Rn + 4 He, with Radon-222 as the daughter isotope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Radon-222 is:
226 Rn → 222 Rn + 4 He
The daughter isotope in this decay is Radon-222, which is formed when the parent isotope Radon-226 emits an alpha particle (4 He).
The alpha decay of Radon-222 (222Rn) results in the emission of an alpha particle and production of the daughter isotope, Polonium-218, according to the nuclear equation 222Rn → 218Po + 4He.
The alpha decay of Radon-222 (which is represented as 222Rn) involves the emission of an alpha particle. An alpha particle is essentially a helium nucleus, which means it contains two protons and two neutrons. The alpha decay can be represented by the following nuclear equation:
22286Rn → 21884Po + 42He
In this equation, Radon-222 is transformed into Polonium-218 (the daughter isotope), and an alpha particle (the helium nucleus) is released as part of the decay process.
The alpha decay of Radon-222, also known as radon gas, involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is composed of two protons and two neutrons. Radon-222 undergoes this decay process to transform into a different element. The decay equation for the alpha decay of Radon-222 can be expressed as:
\[ ^{222}_{86}\text{Rn} \rightarrow ^{218}_{84}\text{Po} + ^{4}_{2}\text{He} \]
In this equation, \( ^{222}_{86}\text{Rn} \) represents the radon isotope with 222 nucleons and an atomic number of 86. The arrow indicates the decay process, leading to the formation of \( ^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \), which is polonium-218, and the emission of an alpha particle \( ^{4}_{2}\text{He} \). The resulting daughter nucleus, \( ^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \), may undergo further decay processes until it reaches a stable state.
Alpha decay is a common mode of radioactive decay for heavy elements like radon. The emitted alpha particles possess significant kinetic energy, and this decay process plays a crucial role in the natural radioactive decay chain. Understanding decay equations is essential for studying the behavior of radioactive substances and their potential health and environmental implications.