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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.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.

Why does alpha decay occur in heavier elements?

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.

How does alpha decay occur?

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 .

What causes alpha beta and gamma radiation?

Ionizing radiation takes a few forms: Alpha, beta, and neutron particles, and gamma and X-rays. All types are caused by unstable atoms, which have either an excess of energy or mass (or both). In order to reach a stable state, they must release that extra energy or mass in the form of radiation.

Does alpha radiation occur naturally?

Many alpha emitters occur naturally in the environment. For example, alpha particles are given off by radionuclides such as uranium-238, radium-226, and other members of the naturally occurring uranium, thorium and actinium decay series which are present in varying amounts in nearly all rocks, soils, and water.

Why does spontaneous fission occur?

Similarly as for alpha decay, also spontaneous fission occurs due to quantum tunneling. Spontaneous fissions release neutrons as all fissions do, so it contributes to neutron flux in a subcritical reactor. Radioisotopes for which spontaneous fission is not negligible can be used as neutron sources.

Why are alpha particles used rather than neutrons?

Why do heavy nuclei emit alpha particles instead of some other combination of protons & neutrons? Because alpha particles have a very high binding energy per nucleon: 7.07 MeV, much higher than nearby nuclides. This high binding energy means the nucleons are held tightly together.

How does alpha radiation work?

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.

How does radioactivity occur?

What causes atoms to be radioactive? Atoms found in nature are either stable or unstable. An atom is stable if the forces among the particles that makeup the nucleus are balanced. An atom is unstable (radioactive) if these forces are unbalanced; if the nucleus has an excess of internal energy.

What radiation causes?

Radiation is the energy released from atoms as either a wave or a tiny particle of matter. Radiation sickness is caused by exposure to a high dose of radiation, such as a high dose of radiation received during an industrial accident.