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Alpha decay occurs most often in massive nuclei that have too large a proton to neutron ratio. An alpha particle, with its two protons and two neutrons, is a very stable configuration of particles.Aug 9, 2000

Does alpha decay result in smaller atoms?

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.

Does alpha decay only occur in heavier elements?

Alpha decay typically occurs in the heaviest nuclides. Theoretically, it can occur only in nuclei somewhat heavier than nickel (element 28), where the overall binding energy per nucleon is no longer a maximum and the nuclides are therefore unstable toward spontaneous fission-type processes.

Why do larger atoms decay?

It's basically a matter of thermodynamics. Every atom seeks to be as stable as possible. In the case of radioactive decay, instability occurs when there is an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus. Basically, there is too much energy inside the nucleus to hold all the nucleons together.

What are the conditions for alpha decay?

Alpha (α) decay occurs when the N/Z ratio in a nucleus is too low. In this process, an “alpha particle,” which is the same as a helium nucleus 4He, is emitted. Examples for alpha decay: U 92 238 → T 90 234 h + H 2 4 e .

Why does atomic number increase in beta decay?

In beta decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus suddenly changes into a proton, causing an increase in the atomic number of an element.

Why are alpha particles emitted rather than protons?

Alpha particles are subatomic fragments consisting of two neutrons and two protons. 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.

What happens to electrons during alpha decay?

Thus, when the alpha particle, which carries a positive charge of +2 because of its deficiency of electrons, picks up two electrons to become a helium atom, the entire system in which the decay event occurs remains charge neutral.

Why do only large nuclei fall apart or decay?

The strong nuclear force is many times stronger than the electromagnetic force (there's a reason it's called the strong force) but it only operates over very, very small distances. Beyond those distances, the nucleus starts to fall apart.

Why does atomic nuclear decay take place?

Nuclear decay occurs when the nucleus of an atom is unstable and spontaneously emits energy in the form of radiation. The result is that the nucleus changes into the nucleus of one or more other elements. These daughter nuclei have a lower mass and are more stable (lower in energy) than the parent nucleus.