Question

Under certain circumstances, a nucleus can decay by emitting α-particle more massive than an α-particle. Consider the following decay processes:

\(_{88}^{223}Ra\rightarrow _{82}^{209}Pb+_6^{14}C\)

\(_{88}^{223}Ra\rightarrow\, _{86}^{219}Rn +\,_2^4He\)

Calculate the Q-values for these decays and determine that both are energetically allowed.

Answer 1

\(_{88}^{223}Ra\rightarrow _{82}^{209}Pb +\, _4^{16}C\)

Since the Q-value is positive, the reaction is energetically allowed.