Is radon an alpha emitter with daughter decay products that include alpha, beta, and gamma emitters?

Prepare for the NEHA Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Radon is indeed classified as an alpha emitter. Alpha particles are helium nuclei emitted by certain radioactive materials during their decay process. When radon decays, it produces several daughter isotopes, which can undergo further decay. These daughter products can emit different types of radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation.

For example, when radon-222 decays, it produces polonium-218, which is also an alpha emitter, followed by other decay products such as lead-214, which can emit beta particles, and bismuth-214, which can emit gamma radiation. Therefore, the statement recognizes the full spectrum of radiation emitted by radon and its decay products, highlighting the complex decay series associated with radon, making it accurate to say that radon has daughter decay products that include alpha, beta, and gamma emitters.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy