Study the decay equations given in Worked examples 1 and 2, and write balanced equations for the following:

a. A nucleus of radon-220 (²²⁰₈₆ Rn) decays by α emission to form an isotope of polonium, Po.

b. A nucleus of a sodium isotope (²⁵₁₁ Na) decays by β⁻ emission to form an isotope of magnesium, Mg.

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WORKED EXAMPLES 1 Radon is a radioactive gas. The isotope of radon-222 decays by a emission to become a nucleus of polonium (Po). Here is the equation for the decay of a single isotope of radon-222: 222 Rn → 218 Po +He 86 Show that A and Z are conserved. Compare the nucleon and proton numbers on both sides of the equation for the decay: nucleon number A: 222 = 218 + 4 proton number Z: 86 = 84 + 2 In this case, radon-222 is the parent nucleus and polonium-218 is the daughter nucleus. A carbon-14 nucleus (parent) decays by B emission to become an isotope of nitrogen (daughter). Here is the equation that represents this decay: 성C → 절N + 오e Show that both nucleon number and proton number are conserved. Compare the nucleon and proton numbers on both sides of the equation for the decay: nucleon number A: 14 = 14 + 0 proton number Z: 6 = 7 - 1