Radon is a noble gas that can build up in underground spaces. It poses a danger when it undergoes radioactive decay.
Radon testing kit

If an isotope of $\mathrm{Rn}-222$ undergoes alpha decay, how many neutrons are in the daughter isotope?
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Question

Radon is a noble gas that can build up in underground spaces. It poses a danger when it undergoes radioactive decay.
Radon testing kit

If an isotope of $\mathrm{Rn}-222$ undergoes alpha decay, how many neutrons are in the daughter isotope?
$\square$

Accepted Answer

∻Solution∻ ‖ 1 ⋮ **Identify the decay process**: Radon-222 ($\mathrm{Rn}-222$) undergoes alpha decay. In alpha decay, an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, is emitted from the nucleus. This reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. ‖ ‖ 2 ⋮ **Determine the daughter isotope**: The atomic number of radon (Rn) is 86. After alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2, resulting in an atomic number of 84, which corresponds to polonium (Po). The mass number decreases by 4, resulting in a mass number of 218. Therefore, the daughter isotope is $\mathrm{Po}-218$. ‖ ‖ 3 ⋮ **Calculate the number of neutrons**: The number of neutrons in an isotope is given by the mass number minus the atomic number. For $\mathrm{Po}-218$, the number of neutrons is $218 - 84 = 134$. ‖ ∻Answer∻ ⚹ The daughter isotope has 134 neutrons. ⚹ ∻Key Concept∻ ⚹ Alpha decay reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. ⚹ ∻Explanation∻ ⚹ In alpha decay, an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted, resulting in a daughter isotope with a reduced atomic number and mass number. For $\mathrm{Rn}-222$, the daughter isotope $\mathrm{Po}-218$ has 134 neutrons. ⚹◊What is the equation representing the alpha decay of $\mathrm{Rn}-222$?⍭ Generate me a similar question◊

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