0
Why an element that loses an alpha particle becomes a new element?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
In alpha decay an atom emits an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus. The alpha particle, consists of two protons and two neutrons. So alpha decay reduces the atomic number by two and the mass number by four. For example, when radium 226 (atomic number 88) decays by alpha emission to radon 222 (atomic number 86).
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoAn alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom. That is, it has 2 protons and 2 neutrons. A form of radioactive decay is to emit these alpha particles from an unstable, heavy nucleus. Since matter and energy must be conserved, the alpha decay takes 2 protons and 2 neutrons away from the nucleus of the heavy atom, making the atomic number of the atom 2 less and its mass number 4 less.
Atomic number is almost entirely what defines an atom, and *is* entirely what defines an element. So after the decay, the atom is 2 protons lighter which changes its element.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe important, and difficult, and amazing, thing to grasp is that electrons, neutrons, protons and all atomic particles are all alike!
So different atoms are merely different combinations of a handful of different ingredients. It follows that if an atom or molecule loses (say) a beta particle, it will become something else, such as a different atom, molecule, isotope or compound.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoAlpha decay is the release by a nucleus of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This both reduces its Atomic Mass by 4 and effectively changes the atom into a lighter element, 2 places lower on the Periodic Table. Alpha decay occurs in unstable (radioactive) nuclei, whether naturally occurring or synthesized (e.g. by collider devices, or fission reactions).
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoit is because an element is defined as the amount of protons in an atom and removing 2 protons ( in the presence of an alpha particle) therefore changing the element.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoBecause alpha decay involves the ejection of a proton from the nucleus of the atom, and since the number of protons determines the element, losing a proton results in a different element.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA new element is formed having atomic no 2 units less and mass no 4 unit less.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Does an ion of an element lose or gain protons to become a charged particle?
No, it becomes a new element.When a particle loses an electron it becomes an ion.
What change is atomic number occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle?
An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons, so when an atom loses an alpha particle, its mass number decreases by four. However, since the atom loses two protons, it is now a different element. It is now the element with an atomic number minus the two protons.
What is the kind of decay that results in the formation of a different element called?
Alpha decay is a kind of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from an atom. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, when an atom of an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses two protons, which changes the atom from one element to another. This is because each different element is identified by the number of protons in its atomic nuclei.
What happens to an element if it becomes a cation?
Cations are formed when elements lose electrons. Then they get positively charged.
When a radioisotope decays does it always produce another isotope of the same element?
No!If the radioisotope loses a neutron, then it will produce another isotope of the same element. However, if it loses an alpha particle or a positron, the result is a different element.
Does an ion of an element lose or gain protons to become a charged particle?
No, it becomes a new element.When a particle loses an electron it becomes an ion.
What change is atomic number occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle?
An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons, so when an atom loses an alpha particle, its mass number decreases by four. However, since the atom loses two protons, it is now a different element. It is now the element with an atomic number minus the two protons.
What is the kind of decay that results in the formation of a different element called?
Alpha decay is a kind of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from an atom. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, when an atom of an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses two protons, which changes the atom from one element to another. This is because each different element is identified by the number of protons in its atomic nuclei.
What is the kind of decay that's results in the formation of a different element?
Alpha decay is a kind of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from an atom. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, when an atom of an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses two protons, which changes the atom from one element to another. This is because each different element is identified by the number of protons in its atomic nuclei.
What is the kind of decay that results in the formation of a different?
Alpha decay is a kind of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from an atom. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, when an atom of an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses two protons, which changes the atom from one element to another. This is because each different element is identified by the number of protons in its atomic nuclei.
An atom releses an bata particle. what two things does an atom lose. the element becomes?
It loses 2 proton and 2 nutron
What kind of decay results in the formation of a different element?
both top and bottomAlpha decay is a kind of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from an atom. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, when an atom of an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses two protons, which changes the atom from one element to another. This is because each different element is identified by the number of protons in its nuclei.or to be more blunt without all the detail radioactive
What happens to an element if it becomes a cation?
Cations are formed when elements lose electrons. Then they get positively charged.
Does alpha decay always decreases the number of protons by an even number?
Yes, an alpha radiation particle is 2 protons and 2 neutrons so for every alpha particle emitted the radioactive nuclide loses 2 protons.
When a radioisotope decays does it always produce another isotope of the same element?
No!If the radioisotope loses a neutron, then it will produce another isotope of the same element. However, if it loses an alpha particle or a positron, the result is a different element.
A charged particle results from losing or gaining electrons?
Yes. A particle that loses an electron becomes an ion with a positive charge. A particle that gains an electron becomes an ion with a negative charge.
If a chlorine atom gains or loses a valence electron it becomes a charges particle called an?
Ion. Any atom that loses or gains an electron becomes an ion.
