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Nucleus minus two protons and minus two neutrons (alpha particles are 4He nucleii)

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14y ago
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5mo ago

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from the nucleus. This reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, creating a new element. The nucleus becomes more stable due to the reduction in excess nuclear energy.

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12y ago

It casues the atomic number to decrease by two units and thus become another element. It also causes the Atomic Mass to decrease by 4 units.

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Q: How does alpha decay change the nucleus?
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Related questions

How does the mass of a nucleus change with alpha decay?

When an atomundergoesalpha decay, it loses two neutrons (as well as two protons).


How can the element Americium change into the element neptunium?

Americium can change into neptunium through a process called alpha decay. During alpha decay, an alpha particle (helium nucleus) is emitted from the nucleus of the americium atom, resulting in the transformation of the americium atom into a neptunium atom.


Type of nuclear decay consisting of a helium nucleus?

Alpha decay. Alpha particles are the same as a helium-4 nucleus.


What is alpha decay of mendelevium?

Alpha decay is the loss form the atomic nucleus of an "alpha" particle - that is 2 protons and 2 neutrons (a helium nucleus).


Non-example of alpha decay?

Beta decay is a non-example of alpha decay. Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) from an unstable atomic nucleus, whereas alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from a nucleus.


Which nuclear reaction is classified as alpha decay?

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) to transform into a different nucleus.


What type of decay is 235 92U---4 2 He plus 231 90Th?

The type of decay for this process is alpha decay. In alpha decay, a heavy nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium-4 nucleus) to transform into a new element with a lower atomic number.


How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?

The atomic number of a nucleus does not change in gamma decay since no particles are emitted. In alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4. In beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 (due to conversion of a neutron to a proton) while the mass number remains the same.


What is the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of 242 Pu?

The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of 242Pu is: ^24294Pu -> ^23892U + ^4He2 This equation shows that the nucleus of 242Pu decays into a nucleus of 238U and an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus.


What are the possible products of the alpha decay of uranium-238?

The possible products of the alpha decay of uranium-238 are thorium-234 and helium-4. During alpha decay, the uranium nucleus releases an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and transforms into thorium-234.


Alpha decay and beta decay are two forms of decay that cause transmutation?

Transmutation, which is the change of atoms from one element to another.


What is released from the nucleus during gamma decay?

In gamma decay, high-energy gamma photons are released from the nucleus. These photons do not change the identity of the atom but are emitted to reduce excess energy after other forms of radioactive decay.