alpha decay

what happens during alpha decay?

an alpha particle is emitted from an unstable nucleus

what is formed as a result of atom decay?

a new element

what nucleus is an alpha particle and how do you know?

a helium nucleus because it has 2 protons and 2 neutrons

what changed about the alpha particle when emitted from the unstable nucleus?

• mass number decreases by 4

• atomic number decreases by 2

how does the charge of the nucleus change why?

• decreases by 2

  • because protons have a charge of +1 and the alpha particle which has been emitted consists of 2 protons (and 2 neutrons)

process of alpha decay can be shown as what?

an equation

what is a decay equation similar to?

chemical reaction equation

in a decay equation, what must be the same?

the sum of the mass and atomic numbers before the reaction must be the same as the mass and atomic numbers after the reaction

what does an alpha decay equation look like? + an example

what element is used in the alpha decay equation which has 4 protons+ neutrons and 2 electrons?

helium