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Alpha radiation occurs when the nucleus of an atom becomes unstable (the ratio of neutrons to protons is too low) and alpha particles are emitted to restore balance. Alpha decay occurs in elements with high atomic numbers, such as uranium, radium, and thorium.

What nucleus emits an alpha particle?

helium nucleus 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.

What can emit alpha particles?

Alpha particles are charged particles, which are emitted from naturally occurring materials (such as uranium, thorium, and radium) and man-made elements (such as plutonium and americium). These alpha emitters are primarily used (in very small amounts) in items such as smoke detectors.

Why heavy nuclei are alpha radioactive?

1 Alpha Decay. In heavy nuclei, the Coulomb energy of proton repulsion becomes very significant and this makes the nuclei unstable. It turns out that it is energetically more profitable for a nucleus to throw out a stable system of four particles, i.e., an alpha particle, than individual nucleons.

How alpha particles are produced?

An alpha particle is produced by the alpha decay of a radioactive nucleus. Because the nucleus is unstable a piece of it is ejected, allowing the nucleus to reach a more stable state.

Where does alpha radiation come from?

Alpha particles (α) are positively charged and made up of two protons and two neutrons from the atom's nucleus. Alpha particles come from the decay of the heaviest radioactive elements, such as uranium, radium and polonium.

Where do alpha particles come from?

Alpha particles (α) are positively charged and made up of two protons and two neutrons from the atom's nucleus. Alpha particles come from the decay of the heaviest radioactive elements, such as uranium, radium and polonium.

Why do large nuclei tend to be radioactive?

In a small nucleus every particle interacts with each other with a strong force. In a large nucleus some particles are too far away from each other to be attracted by a strong force. Why do large nuclei tend to be radioactive? The strong force is weaker so the electrical force can overcome it easier.

When a nucleus emits an alpha particle does it lose?

Alpha particles are made of 2 protons with 2 neutrons. This means that when a nucleus emits an alpha particle, it loses 2 protons and so its atomic number decreases by 2.

How alpha beta and gamma rays are produced?

During radioactivity, particles like alpha, beta & gamma rays are emitted by an atom, due to unstable atom trying to gain stability. Hence, the atoms eventually decay by emitting a particle that transforms when they are unstable and transforms the nucleus into a lower energy state.