Question

Identify which of the following equations represents alpha decay in a nuclear fission reaction ?

• A. ${}_1^{2}H{+}_1^{2}H\to {}_1^{3}H{+}_1^{1}H+$ energy
• B. ${}_{88}^{226}Ra\to {}_{86}^{222}Rn{+}_2^{4}He$
• C. ${}_{83}^{209}Bi\to {}_{84}^{209}Po{+}_{-1}^{0}e$
• D. ${}_{92}^{235}U{+}_0^{1}n\to {}_{54}^{140}Xe{+}_{38}^{94}Sr{+}_2^{1}n$
• E. ${}_2^{4}He{+}_{13}^{27}Al\to {}_{15}^{30}P{+}_0^{1}n$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${}_{88}^{226}Ra\to {}_{86}^{222}Rn{+}_2^{4}He$

In alpha decay reactions, alpha particle ${(}_2^{4}He)$ is emitted while the atomic number and mass number of parent nucleus decreases by $2$ and $4$ respectively.

Thus reaction in option B is an alpha decay reaction.