Decay Chain Worksheet
Examine each decay chain and identify the element. Then indicate whether each transformation is
due to the emission of an alpha or beta particle by writing in the corresponding symbol. Sometimes
gamma rays are released but because the release of gamma rays does not affect atomic mass or
atomic number the exercise is focused on alpha and beta emissions.
60
27
Co
\	/<
5.27 Years
60
28
Ni
222.
Rn
X	/<
3.8 days
218
84
Po
3 minutes

214
82
Pb
27 minutes
%
214
83
Bi
Key
Alpha particle: OC
Beta particle:
Gamma ray: V
Rn
In the example, Rn is the
atomic symbol for the element
Radon. The number 222
indicates the atomic mass of
the element (or isotope). The
number 86 represents the
element's atomic number.
>	<
20 minutes
210
Po
-X
.0002 seconds
206
82
Pb
f/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
RadTown Radioactive Atom Activity Set	EPA 402-B-19-023
https://www.EPA.gov/RadTown/Activitv-6-Radioactive-Decay-Chain

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