What is the term for the series of transformations a radionuclide undergoes?

The term that describes the series of transformations a radionuclide undergoes is known as a decay chain. A decay chain refers to the sequence of decays that a radioactive isotope goes through as it transforms into different daughter isotopes until a stable form is reached. This process includes various types of radioactive decay, such as alpha and beta decay, and can involve multiple steps where each intermediate product may also be radioactive.

Understanding the concept of a decay chain is essential in the field of radiation safety and measurement because it helps professionals track the behavior of radionuclides in the environment, assess risks, and develop mitigation strategies. For instance, radon, a well-known decay product of uranium, can pose health risks due to its ability to decay into other radioactive elements within a home.

In contrast, radon mitigation pertains to the methods used to reduce radon levels in buildings, and radiation is a broad term that encompasses the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. The term "radon curies" is not commonly recognized in the context of radionuclide transformations and is not relevant to the description of decay processes. Thus, recognizing the specific linguistic and scientific uses of each term clarifies why "decay chain" is the appropriate answer.