Question

1. which nuclear reaction is classified as alpha decay?

a. $_{6}^{14}c\to_{7}^{14}n+_{-1}^{0}e$
b. $_{19}^{42}k\to_{20}^{42}ca+_{-1}^{0}e$
c. $_{88}^{226}ra\to_{86}^{222}rn+_{2}^{4}he$
d. $_{1}^{3}h\to_{-1}^{0}e+_{2}^{3}he$

Explanation:

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)). In option C, \(^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}\) decays into \(^{222}_{86}\text{Rn}\) and \(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\), which matches the definition of alpha decay. Options A, B, and D involve the emission of a beta particle (\(^{0}_{-1}\text{e}\)) rather than an alpha particle.

Answer:

C. \(^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}\to^{222}_{86}\text{Rn}+^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)