Question

When radon-222 undergoes alpha decay, it transmutates into what daughter nucleus?

Answer 1

Answer : The daughter nucleus is, polonium (Po).

Explanation :

Alpha decay : In this process, alpha particles is emitted when a heavier nuclei decays into lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released has a charge of +2 units.

The general representation of alpha decay reaction is:

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y+_2^4\alpha$

The complete alpha decay reaction will be,

$_{86}^{222}\textrm{Rn}\rightarrow _{84}^{218}\textrm{Po}+_2^4He$

From this we conclude that, when radon-222 undergoes alpha decay then it transmutates into polonium daughter nucleus.

Hence, the daughter nucleus is, polonium (Po).