Question

Radon gas, {^{222}_{86} Rn }, is considered a serious health hazard (see discussion in text). It decays by \alpha-emission. a) What is the daughter nucleus? b) Is the daughter nucleus stable or radioactive? If the latter, how does it decay, and what is its half-life? (See Fig. 30–11.) c) Is the daughter nucleus also a noble gas, or is it chemically reactive? d) Suppose 1.4 ng of {^{222}_{86} Rn } seeps into a basement. What will be its activity? If the basement is then sealed, what will be the activity 1 month later?

Accepted Answer

a) {}_{84}^{218}Po b) \alpha decay, with T_{\frac{1}{2}} = 3.1 min  There is also a bit of \beta decay. c) Chemically reactive. It's in the same group as Oxygen on the periodic table. d) initial: 8 x 10^6 Bq , after one month: 3.2 x 10^4 Bq

Radon gas, ${^{222}_{86}\textrm{Rn}}$ , is considered a serious health hazard (see discussion in text). It decays by $\alpha$ -emission.

Find us on:

Radon gas, 86222Rn{^{222}_{86}\textrm{Rn}}86222​Rn, is considered a serious health hazard (see discussion in text). It decays by α\alphaα-emission.

Find us on:

Radon gas, ${^{222}_{86}\textrm{Rn}}$ , is considered a serious health hazard (see discussion in text). It decays by $\alpha$ -emission.