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

1 Answer
Jun 23, 2016

Hope this is the answer you were looking for.

Explanation:

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

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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:

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