226 Ra is classified as a _____ emitter.

Radium-226 (226 Ra) is classified as an alpha emitter because it primarily decays by emitting alpha particles. In this process, an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, is released from the nucleus of the radium atom. This type of emission is a characteristic behavior of heavy nuclei, like 226 Ra, as they seek stability by shedding mass and energy through alpha decay.

The energy released in alpha decay is significant, and alpha particles have a relatively high mass and positive charge, which impacts their interaction with matter. They can travel only a short distance in air and are not very penetrating, unable to pass through the skin, but they can cause significant biological damage if ingested or inhaled. Understanding the nature of alpha emissions, including how they differ from other forms of radiation such as beta particles or gamma rays, is crucial in the field of medical dosimetry and radiological safety, as it informs how patients and materials are handled in medical settings.