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A nucleus changes into a new element by emitting alpha or beta particles . These changes are described using nuclear equations. Alpha decay (two protons and two neutrons ) changes the mass number of the element by -4 and the atomic number by -2. An alpha particle is the same as a helium-4 nucleus .

What is the equation for alpha decay?

In the alpha decay of U238 (Equation 17.3. 1), both atomic and mass numbers are conserved: mass number: 238=4+234. atomic number: 92=2+90.

What happens in an alpha decay reaction?

Alpha decay or α-decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or 'decays' into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two.

How do you know if an equation is alpha decay?

0:2013:07Alpha Decay – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn alpha decay an atom with a nucleus that is just too big that's what it is unhappy about spits.MoreIn alpha decay an atom with a nucleus that is just too big that's what it is unhappy about spits. Out two neutrons. And two protons in order to slim down.

What happens during beta decay?

Beta decay occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other. In beta minus decay, a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino: n Æ p + e – +.

What happens when an alpha particle is emitted?

Because alpha particles have two positive charges and a mass of four units, their emission from nuclei produces daughter nuclei having a positive nuclear charge or atomic number two units less than their parents and a mass of four units less.

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

When the alpha particle is emitted, the atomic number of the atom decreases by two, since atomic number is the number of protons, which causes the transmutation of the original element into a different element.

What is emitted during alpha decay?

In alpha decay, a positively charged particle, identical to the nucleus of helium 4, is emitted spontaneously. This particle, also known as an alpha particle, consists of two protons and two neutrons. It was discovered and named by Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1899.

What force is responsible for alpha decay?

In alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (identical to a helium-4 nucleus). This happens in large nuclei because the nuclear force keeping the nucleus together is outweighed by the electromagnetic force.

What happens to alpha particles after decay?

When an atom emits an alpha particle in alpha decay, the atom's mass number decreases by four due to the loss of the four nucleons in the alpha particle. The atomic number of the atom goes down by two, as a result of the loss of two protons – the atom becomes a new element.