Chapter 17, Problem 68E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The partial decay series of $\text{Rn-}220$ undergoing $\alpha ,\alpha ,\beta ,\alpha$ sequential decays is to be written.

Concept Introduction: An alpha $\left(\alpha \right)$ decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits a small part of itself that consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

It is represented as:

$\text{alpha}\left(\alpha \right)\text{particle }\text{H}\text{e}$.

The mass number decreases by 4 and atomic number decreases by 2 during an alpha decay.

Beta $\left(\beta \right)$ decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits an electron.

During beta decay, atomic number increases by 1.