answersLogoWhite

0

When is alpha radiation emitted?

Updated: 8/10/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Best Answer

During Alpha decay an atom spits out a bound group of two protons and

two neutrons from its nucleus. That little package is called an "Alpha particle",

and it also happens to be a nucleus of Helium.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

We see an alpha particle appear in a type of nuclear decay called alpha decay. Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus ejects an alpha particle from its nucleus. Links to related questions can be found below to check facts and learn more.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

good question:

the answer is you can never ever know when a nuclei will decay. Its a fundamental principal of quantum mechanics.

You can get lots of nuclei and look at the average, then predict a probability that one nuclei will have decayed by a certain time, but you can never know, and they are all identical (if they are the same type), so there is no known reason why one will decay and another doesn't.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

There are a number of different isotopes that emit alpha radiation as a function of their radioactive decay processes. Just one is radium-226, which is in the uranium decay chain, and is a precursor to radon, which can be a public health concern.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

It transmutes into another atom, one with two less protons and two less neutrons. The atomic number goes down by two, and the Atomic Mass number goes down by four. It also undergoes nucleus and electron cloud restabilization, which can result in gamma and x-ray emission of photons.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Alpha decay occurs most often in massive nuclei that have too large a proton to neutron ratio. An example of an alpha particle would be 4He.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: When is alpha radiation emitted?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics

What type of radiation alpha beta or gamma is emitted by thorium-230?

alpha particles.


Are alpha beta or gamma emitted by the sun?

Yes, all three forms of radiation are present in the sun. Alpha particles are simply helium atoms, and helium is being formed constantly by the fusion of hydrogen, although this is not considered alpha radiation as it is not involving radioactive decay. Beta radiation is high energy electrons, which are likely to be present in the sun. And finally, gamma rays are emitted during the process of fusion. However, the vast majority are absorbed within the Sun's core and therefore do no radiate from the Sun.


What type of radiation is emitted only during detonation?

None. All types of radiation emitted by an exploding nuclear device are also emitted under other conditions, including natural conditions. These types of radiation are: alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, x-rays, IR, visible light, UV, EMP. Some types of naturally present radiation NOT produced by exploding nuclear devices are: cosmic rays, muon showers, proton.


What is each type of radiation with the correct description?

Alpha, beta and gamma are three types associated with radioactive decay. Alpha particles are essentially helium nuclei. They are massive, somewhat slow moving particles comprised of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are high speed electrons ejected from the nucleus of an atom. Gamma rays are a highly energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. Whereas a sheet of paper is thick enough to protect against alpha particles, a sheet of tin sufficient defense against beta rays, a foot or so of lead (or several feet of concrete) are required to protect against gamma rays. Heat, visible light, and radio waves are other forms of electromagnetic radiation.


What type of nuclear radiation is a high energy light?

It is radiation which has had some energy converted into it, most probably after a nuclear fission/fusion reaction when a lot of energy is released, so some of that energy goes into the radiation.

Related questions

What type of radiation is emitted when polonium 212 forms lead 208?

In this case alpha particles are emitted.


What type of radiation is emitted by thorium 230?

Alpha


What are the three major forms of emitted radiation?

The three major forms of emitted ionizing radiation are Alpha, Beta and Gamma.


How fast does alpha radiation move?

alpha radiations travel with different speed depending upon the source they are emitted from


What type of radiation alpha beta or gamma is emitted by thorium-230?

alpha particles.


How are alpha particles used in smoke alarms?

Alpha radiation is emitted from the amercium button in a smoke detector. When smoke goes into the smoke detector it blocks the stream of alpha particles emitted from the americium. That triggers an alarm.


What happens to beta alpha and gamma radiation after they are emitted?

they are absorbed, depositing their energy in whatever absorbed them.


Nucleus of the chemical element atomic number 2 emitted by some radioactive substances?

alpha particle, He nucleus


What is an alpha partical?

A Helium atom, containing two proton and two neutrons, that is emitted as a form of radiation.


What use is alpha radiation?

It is used in smoke detectors as it cannot travel far in air. Alpha radiation is emitted and as long as the detector in the device is receiving the alpha radiation, then no smoke is present. When smoke particles are present, they interrupt the radiation, and so the detector doesn't pick up the radiation, causing the alarm to go off.


What type of radiation is emitted when polonium forms lead-208?

Lead-208 is formed by alpha decay (emission of alpha particles) from polonium-212.


What kind of radiation is emitted from protactinium?

Protactinium-231 emit alpha particles, gamma radiations, X-rays.