Chapter 21, Problem 1SEPP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The radioactive chemical equation for the $\alpha$ decay of radium-$226$ is to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

In a balanced radioactive decay,

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant mass number = }{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product mass number}}}$

And

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant atomic number = }{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product atomic number}}}$

In a balanced radioactive decay, the subscript present on the individual particles represents the atomic number while the superscript represents the atomic mass.