What is the decay product of RA 226?

Radium-226 decays by alpha particle radiation to an inert gas, radon-222, which also decays by alpha particle radiation.

What does Ra decay into?

Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. All isotopes of radium are highly radioactive, with the most stable isotope being radium-226, which has a half-life of 1600 years and decays into radon gas (specifically the isotope radon-222).

What is the formula for alpha decay?

In the alpha decay of U238 (Equation 17.3. 1), both atomic and mass numbers are conserved: mass number: 238=4+234. atomic number: 92=2+90.

How does radium-226 decay into radon-222?

During α-decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle. It transforms (or decays) into an atom with an atomic number 2 less and a mass number 4 less. Thus, radium-226 decays through α-particle emission to form radon-222 according to the equation: 226 88 Ra → l222 86 Rn +l4 2He

How many photons are released per decay of Ra-226?

Finally the decay process of Ra-226 results in a buildup of gas Radon gas. This can be an important consideration in the design of an encapsulated Radium brachytherapy needle. Average Photon Energy: 0.83 MeV (approximately 49 photons released per decay with an energy range of 0.047 – 2.45 MeV)

How can I write nuclear equations for alpha decay?

Thus, radium-226 decays through α-particle emission to form radon-222 according to the equation: Note that the sum of the subscripts (atomic numbers or charges) is the same on each side of the equation. Also, the sum of the superscripts (masses) is the same on each side of the equation.

When does a 226 / 88Ra nucleus decay by emitting an alpha particle?

So this radium-226 atom wants to lose energy. The way it’s going to do that is by emitting an alpha particle and reducing its quantities of protons and neutrons. We know that an alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons.