The most significant source of natural radiation is radon-222. Radon-222, a decay product of uranium-238, is continuously generated in the earth’s crust allowing gaseous Rn to seep into the basements of buildings. Because radon-222 is an alpha-particle producer with a relatively short half-life of 3.82 days,it can cause biological damage when inhaled.a.How many alpha and beta particles are produced when uranium-238 decays to radon-222? What nuclei is produced when radon-222 decays?b.Radon is a noble gas so one would expect it to pass through the body quickly. Why is there a concern over inhaling radon-222?c.Another problem associated with radon-222 is that the decay of radon-222 produces a more potent alpha-particle producer (t1/2= 3.11 min) that is a solid. What is the identity of the solid? Give the balanced equation of this species decaying by alpha-particle production. Why is the solid a more potent alpha-particle producer?

General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Course List)
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Publisher:Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Chapter20: Nuclear Chemistry
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The most significant source of natural radiation is radon-222. Radon-222, a decay product of uranium-238, is continuously generated in the earth’s crust allowing gaseous Rn to seep into the basements of buildings. Because radon-222 is an alpha-particle producer with a relatively short half-life of 3.82 days,it can cause biological damage when inhaled.a.How many alpha and beta particles are produced when uranium-238 decays to radon-222? What nuclei is produced when radon-222 decays?b.Radon is a noble gas so one would expect it to pass through the body quickly. Why is there a concern over inhaling radon-222?c.Another problem associated with radon-222 is that the decay of radon-222 produces a more potent alpha-particle producer (t1/2= 3.11 min) that is a solid. What is the identity of the solid? Give the balanced equation of this species decaying by alpha-particle production. Why is the solid a more potent alpha-particle producer?

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