Question

How do you write the radioactive decay equation for the radioisotopes, Gold-198 and Radon-222?

Answer 1

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Explanation:

Gold-198 (Au-198) is a `beta^-` emitter: an electron is emitted from the nucleus; the equation is as follows:

So Gold-198 (Au) decays to Mercury-198 (Hg) emitting a `beta^-` particle (`""_(-1)^0e`) and an antineutrino (`bar nu`).

Radon-222 is an alpha emitter: two protons and two neutrons are emitted from the nucleus; the equation is as follows:

So Radon-222 (Rn) decays to Polonium-218 (Po) emitting an `alpha`-particle, sometimes also given as `""_4^2He`.