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What does radon turn into after alpha decay?
polonium-218
Radon-222 itself alpha decays to polonium-218 with a half-life of approximately 3.82 days, making it the most stable isotope of radon. Its final decay product is stable lead-206.
Is radon 222 an isotope?
Radon (radon 222) is the sixth element in the radioactive decay chain of 238U, one of the major natural isotopes on earth. Radon is formed in soil and rock from the radioactive decay of its parent, radium (radium 226, half-life 1622 years), and can easily diffuse from its source.
What happens when an isotope emits an alpha particle?
Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons . When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, these changes happen: the mass number decreases by 4. the atomic number decreases by 2.
What isotope is formed when radium 226 emits an alpha particle?
radon 222
An example of alpha decay is the historically important transformation of radium 226 into radon 222 through the emission of an alpha particle. This reaction releases 4.6 MeV, and leaves behind a radioactive noble gas (radon), which is what allowed Rutherford to observe the process in Montreal in 1898.
Does radon emit alpha particles?
Explain why each property is important in influencing the human health effects of radon. 5. The radon decay products, especially polonium-218, are more dangerous than radon itself. They emit relatively high energy alpha particles that can damage lung tissue if they disintegrate while inside the lung.
Is radon an alpha or beta emitter?
radon-222, with a half-life of 3.825 days, emits an alpha particle to become polonium-218.
Is radon an alpha emitter?
The 220Rn isotope is a natural decay product of the most stable thorium isotope (232Th), and is commonly referred to as thoron. It has a half-life of 55.6 seconds and also emits alpha radiation.
How is radon-222 formed?
Radon-222 is formed naturally during a chain of radioactive decay. The decay series begins with uranium-238, and among the substances formed is radium-226, which decays directly to radon-222. The uranium is widely distributed in rocks and soils throughout the earth’s crust.
Is radium-226 an alpha emitter?
Radium-226 decays by alpha making ingestion and inhalation the primary pathways of concern. Due to the short half-life of radon -222, 3.8 days, there is a high probability it will decay in the body when breathed in, emitting alpha particle radiation in the body.
What type of radioactivity does radon emit?
Radon undergoes radioactive decay, when it releases ionizing radiation and forms “daughter” elements, known as decay products. It is the release of radiation from this decay process that leads to exposure and health risks from radon.