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An alpha particle is essentially a helium atomic nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons. An alpha particle decay will result in the loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Because mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, an alpha decay will reduce the mass number by 4, (and the atomic number by 2).
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∙ 12y ago
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∙ 9y agoAnswer: The mass number is not affected by beta decay.
Details: The change to the atomic number depends on which type of beta decay occurs. There are two types: beta minus and beta plus.
In the case of beta minus decay, a neutron is changed into a proton via the weak nuclear interaction. Therefore the atomic number increases by one, but the mass number stays the same. An electron and an electron anti-neutrino are produced. (One of the down quarks that make up the hadron is being changed to an up quark, and that is enough to change the entire hadron).
In the case of beta plus decay, a proton is changed into a neutron. The the atomic number decreases by 1, but the mass number stays the same. A positron and an electron neutrino are generally emitted.
Beta minus occurs when there are too many neutrons in the nucleus. Beta plus occurs when there are too many protons.
Notice that some gamma rays are also emitted shortly after either beta plus, beta minus or alpha decay, because the nuclei have excess energy.
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∙ 15y agoThe atomic number reduces by 2, and the mass number by 4.
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∙ 13y agoIt depends on the type of beta decay.
During beta plus, the atomic number decreases by 1.
During beta minus decay, the atomic number increases by 1
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoAn alpha particle is a helium nucleus, that is two protons and two neutrons. This means that when an alpha particle is emitted the atomic number decreases by two.
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∙ 12y agoDuring emitting alpha particles, the nucleus of atom Atomic Mass decrease by 4 units while atomic number decrease by 2 units.
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∙ 10y ago1. The atomic number decrease by 2.
2. The isotopic atomic mass decrease by 4, because the mass of the alpha particle (helium) is four.
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What is the spontaneous breakdown of the atomic nucleus called?
We use the general term radioactive decay to identify the spontaneous breakdown of an atomic nucleus.
What happens to the mass number of a nucleus when it emits an electron?
When a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron) it is a result of neutron decay. This decay will also release an antineutrino and a proton is left which increases the atomic mass by one thereby changing the element.
Can it truthfully be said that whenever a nucleus emits an alpha or beta particle it necessarily becomes the nucleus of a different element?
Yes, this is essentially correct. In alpha decay, atomic number goes down by two. Beta decay comes in two types, and in beta plus decay, atomic number goes down by one, and in beta minus decay, atomic number goes up by one. In each case, nuclear transformation has occurred, and a new element appears in the place of the element that began the transformation. Use the links below to related questions to learn more.
Which type of decay does not result in the change of one element into another?
the loss of gamma radiations alone from an unstable heavy metal nucleus results in no change in masss number nor the atomic number
Discuss with the use of examples the main differences between alpha and beta decay?
In alpha decay, an alpha particle (a helium nucleus - 2p+ and 2n0) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom. In beta decay, a neutron turns into a proton and an electron, and the electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus of the atom.
How is the atomic mass number of a nucleus changed by alpha decay or by beta decay or by gamma decay?
The mass does not change much. The Atomic number will increase though.
How is the atomic number of a nucleus change is it by alpha decay or beta decay or gamma decay?
Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two. Beta- decay increases the atomic number by one. Beta+ decay decreases the atomic number by one. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number. However, gamma decay is often incidental to a precipitating alpha or beta event that upsets the energy equilibrium in the nucleus, so the two are not unrelated.
How does the atomic number of a nucleus change when beta decay occurs?
The atomic number increases by one unit when a beta decay occurs.
How does a nucleus change when beta decay of the nucleus occurs?
The atomic number increases by one unit when a beta decay occurs.
How is the atomic number of a nucleus change by gamma decay?
In gamma decay ,nucleus lose a charge of -1 and the daughter nucleus has charge of Z+1.
How does nuclear decay affect the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus that changes after undergoing decay?
Beta+ decay and electron capture causes the atomic number to drop by one. Beta- causes the the atomic number to rise by one.Proton emission causes the atomic and mass number to drop by one.Neutron emission causes the mass number to drop by one.Alpha decay causes the atomic number to drop by two and the mass number to drop by four.
What nuclear decay processes would form a daughter nucleus with an atomic number larger than the parent nucleus?
beta
In alpha decay is the atomic number of the daughter nucleus equal to the atomic number of the isotope undergoing decay?
No, it is 2 smaller as two protons go to form the alpha particle.
What type of nuclear reaction results in a single nucleus undergoing a decrease in atomic number and the release of a helium nucleus?
This is emission of an alpha particle which is a helium nucleus. Thus the atomic number decreases by two and the atomic weight by four, in such a radioactive decay
What causes the process of transmutations?
The number of protons in the nucleus changes.
Radioactive decay occurs when the nucleus ejects the?
Radioactive decay occurs when the nucleus of unstable atoms eject protons, positrons or electron in order to attain a stable atomic structure. This yields new elements with reduced atomic number.
What is the name of the process in which the nucleus of an atom of one element is changed in to the nucleus of an atom of a different element?
Normally called transmutation. This was what the old alchemists were trying to achieve, but they didn't know about nuclear reactions.
