Question 19.1: Writing Nuclear Equations for Alpha Decay Write the nuclear ...

Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Writing Nuclear Equations for Alpha Decay

Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Ra-224.

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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.	$^{224}_{88}Ra→ ^{?}_{?}?+ ^{4}_{2}He$
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.	$^{224}_{88}Ra→ ^{220}_{86}?+^{4}_{2}He$
Refer to the periodic table to deduce the identity of the unknown daughter nuclide from the atomic number and write its symbol. Since the atomic number is 86, the daughter nuclide in this example is radon (Rn).	$^{224}_{88}Ra→ ^{220}_{86}Rn+^{4}_{2}He$

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