22688Ra 88 226 R a → x86Rn 86 x R n + alpha particle

Answer Details

The given equation represents the alpha decay of ^226Ra into an unknown nuclide ^86Rn and an alpha particle. During alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together, resulting in a decrease of two in the atomic number and a decrease of four in the mass number. To determine the atomic number and mass number of the unknown nuclide ^86Rn, we can subtract the atomic and mass numbers of the alpha particle from those of ^226Ra: Atomic number: 88 (Ra) - 2 (alpha particle) = 86 (Rn) Mass number: 226 (Ra) - 4 (alpha particle) = 222 (Rn) Therefore, the unknown nuclide produced in the alpha decay of ^226Ra is ^222Rn, and the correct option is (D) 222.