Alpha Decay of Radium-226

226Ra → 222Rn + 4He

Overview

Radium-226 emits an alpha particle to form radon-222 gas. Radium was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 and was the first radioactive element isolated in pure form. Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes for her work on radioactivity. Radium's decay produces radon, a radioactive gas.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Radium Ra 1 (s)
Product Radon Rn 1 (g)
Product Helium He 1 (g)

Everyday Example

Radon gas produced by radium decay in soil seeps into basements and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Industrial Importance

Radium was historically used in luminous watch dials and cancer therapy. Radon monitoring in homes is now standard practice.

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-460000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Potassium-40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Alpha Decay of Radium-226?
The balanced equation is: ²²⁶Ra → ²²²Rn + ⁴He.
What type of reaction is Alpha Decay of Radium-226?
Alpha Decay of Radium-226 is a nuclear reaction.
Is Alpha Decay of Radium-226 exothermic or endothermic?
Alpha Decay of Radium-226 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -460000000.0 kJ/mol.