Question

Write an equation for: alpha A decay of radon - 198

Answer 1

Answer :

Alpha decay equation : $^{198}_{86}Rn\rightarrow ^{194}_{84}Po+^4_2He$

Beta decay equation : $^{237}_{92}U\rightarrow ^{237}_{93}Np+^0_{-1}e$

Gamma decay equation : $^{244}_{94}Pu\rightarrow ^{244}_{94}Pu+^0_0\gamma$

Explanation :

• Alpha decay : When a larger nuclei decays into smaller nuclei by releasing alpha particle. In this process, the mass number and atomic number is reduced by 4 and 2 units respectively.

       General representation of alpha decay :

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

• Beta decay : In this process, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. In this decay, the atomic number is increased by 1 unit.

        General representation of beta decay :

        $_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A}Y+_{-1}^0e$

• Gamma decay : In this process, the unstable nuclei transformed into stable nuclei by releasing gamma rays. In this process, the mass number remains same.

        General representation of gamma decay :

        $_Z^A\textrm{X}^*\rightarrow _Z^A\textrm{X}+_0^0\gamma$