Physics
Physics
Problem
30. decays into plus A) a proton B) a neutron C) an electron D) a helium nucleusIntuitive explanation
Radioactive decay conserves both mass number (total nucleons) and atomic number (total protons). Start by checking what's missing: the parent Ra has 226 nucleons and 88 protons, while the daughter Rn has 222 nucleons and 86 protons. The difference tells you exactly what particle was emitted—it's a matter of balancing the nuclear equation like you would balance a chemical one.
Intuitive explanation
Radioactive decay conserves both mass number (total nucleons) and atomic number (total protons). Start by checking what's missing: the parent Ra has 226 nucleons and 88 protons, while the daughter Rn has 222 nucleons and 86 protons. The difference tells you exactly what particle was emitted—it's a matter of balancing the nuclear equation like you would balance a chemical one.