If the radon concentration is 75 pCi/L and decay-product concentration is 0.3 WL, what is the equilibrium ratio?

To calculate the equilibrium ratio for radon and its decay products, you need to understand the relationship between radon concentration (measured in pCi/L) and the decay-product concentration (measured in Working Levels, or WL). The equilibrium ratio is a comparison of these two measurements, revealing how much of the radon gas is in equilibrium with its decay products.

The equilibrium ratio can be computed using the formula:

[

\text{Equilibrium Ratio} = \frac{\text{Decay-product concentration (WL)} \times 100}{\text{Radon concentration (pCi/L)}}

]

Given the values in the question:

• Radon concentration = 75 pCi/L

• Decay-product concentration = 0.3 WL

Using the formula:

[

\text{Equilibrium Ratio} = \frac{0.3 \text{ WL} \times 100}{75 \text{ pCi/L}} = \frac{30}{75} = 0.4

]

This calculation shows that the equilibrium ratio is 0.4, indicating a direct relationship between the amount of radon present and the decay products generated within that environment. The equilibrium ratio helps us understand the potential health risk