Chapter 25, Problem 35A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Write a balanced equation for the transformation where Radium-226 gets decayed and produces an isotope of the element Radon and alpha radiation. The atomic number of Radium (Ra) and Radon (Rn) are 88 and 86 respectively.

Concept Introduction: The process in which a nucleus of an unstable atom emits particles of radiation by losing energy is called radioactivity. Radium (Ra) is a chemical element with atomic number 88 which creates a radioactive gas Radon (Rn) on decay.

Answer to Problem 35A

  $\text{R}\text{a}\to \text{R}\text{n}+\text{H}\text{e}$

Explanation of Solution

Given Information: Decay of Radium (Ra) − 226 produces an isotope of the element Radon (Rn) and alpha radiation. The atomic number of Ra and Rn are 88 and 86 respectively.

Radium (Ra) is transformed to Radon (Rn) where the atomic number of Radium (88) is reduced by 2 units in Radon (86) and the mass number is reduced by 4 units.

Balanced chemical equation for the transformation is

  $\text{R}\text{a}\to \text{R}\text{n}+\text{H}\text{e}$

Conclusion

  $\text{R}\text{a gets transformed to}\text{R}\text{n}$