Identify whether the given transformation is an alpha decay or beta decay (226)Ra to (222)Rn,,,

Answer

To determine whether the transformation from (226)Ra to (222)Rn is an alpha decay or beta decay, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Initial and Final Nuclei
- The initial nucleus is Radium-226 (226Ra).
- The final nucleus is Radon-222 (222Rn).

### Step 2: Analyze the Change in Atomic Mass
- The atomic mass of Radium (226) is 226.
- The atomic mass of Radon (222) is 222.
- Calculate the change in atomic mass:
\[ 226 - 222 = 4 \]
- This indicates a decrease of 4 units in atomic mass.

### Step 3: Understand the Types of Decay
- **Alpha Decay**: Involves the emission of an alpha particle (which is essentially a helium nucleus, 4He2). This process results in a decrease of 4 in atomic mass and 2 in atomic number.
- **Beta Decay**: Involves the emission of a beta particle (an electron). This process does not change the atomic mass but increases the atomic number by 1.

### Step 4: Determine the Type of Decay
- Since we observed a decrease of 4 in atomic mass (from 226 to 222), this indicates that an alpha particle has been emitted.
- Therefore, we conclude that the transformation from (226)Ra to (222)Rn is an **alpha decay**.

### Final Answer
The transformation from (226)Ra to (222)Rn is an **alpha decay**.

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