Question 17.1: Write a nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Ra-224....
Write a nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Ra-224.
Begin with the symbol for Ra-224 on the left side of the equation and the symbol for an alpha particle on the right side.
{ }_{88}^{224} \mathrm{Ra} \longrightarrow{ }_y^x ?+{ }_2^4 \mathrm{He}
Equalize the sum of the mass numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers on both sides of the equation by writing the appropriate mass number and atomic number for the unknown daughter nuclide.
{ }_{88}^{224} \mathrm{Ra} \longrightarrow{ }_{86}^{220} ?+{ }_2^4 \mathrm{He}
Deduce the identity of the unknown daughter nuclide from the atomic number. Since the atomic number is 86 , the daughter nuclide is radon (Rn).
{ }_{88}^{224} \mathrm{Ra} \longrightarrow{ }_{86}^{220} \mathrm{Rn}+{ }_2^4 \mathrm{He}