The amount of energy consumed or emitted during a nuclear reaction is known as the Q value. I can be determined from the difference between the masses of the initial reactants and the masses of the final products of a nuclear reaction. (MeV is a unit of energy).
Nuclear reactions
^{223}_{88} Ra \rightarrow ^{209}_{82} Pb + ^{14}_{6} C
^{223}_{88} Ra \rightarrow ^{219}_{86} Rn + ^{4}_{2} He
Step 1: Calculating the Q - value of first nuclear reactions
Mass of ^{223}_{88} Ra = 223.0183 u
Mass of ^{209}_{82} Pb = 208.98107 u
Mass of ^{14}_{6} C = 14.00324 u
\text{ Q -value } = \Delta m c^2 where, \Delta m - mass defect and c - speed of light
\Delta m = \text{ mass of } ^{223}_{88} Ra - \text{ mass of } ^{209}_{82} Pb - \text{ mass of } ^{14}_{6} C
\Delta m = 223.0183 u - 208.98107 - 14.00324 u
\Delta m = 0.03149 u
Q-value = 0.03149 c^2 u
Q-value = 0.03149 c^2 * 931.5 MeV/c^2 \because 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c^2
Q-value = 31.85 MeV
The reaction is (exothermic)energetically allowed since the Q-value is positive.
Step 2: Calculating the Q - value of second nuclear reactions
Mass of ^{223}_{88} Ra = 223.0183 u
Mass of ^{219}_{86} Rn = 219.00948
Mass of ^{4}_{2} He = 4.0026
Q - value [math] = [223.0183 u - 219.00948 - 4.0026] c^2 [/math]
Q - value = 0.00642 c^2 * * 931.5 MeV/c^2
Q- value = 5.98 MeV
The reaction is (exothermic)energetically allowed since the Q-value is positive.