what happens to the mass
number and atomic number of an atom that undergoes alpha decay
When a radioactive atom undergo an alpha decay, it
atomic number decrease by two (2). While its mass number decrease by four (4).
An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, with a nuclear charge of +2e and a mass
of approximately 4 amu. A α-particle is released by an atom, that atom must
lose +2e charge (equivalent to 2 protons) its nucleus lose four nucleons (2
protons and two neutrons). Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom,
while mass number is the sum of nucleons in an atom.
Therefore
atomic number decreases by two while mass number decreases by four. New element
with different chemical and nuclear property is created after an alpha decay.
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