Why is a alpha particle is not a neutral atom?

Answer 1

Alpha decay and beta decay (both forms of it) are two different types of radioactive decay. The former has a basis in quantum mechanical tunneling, and the latter is mediated by the weak nuclear force (weak interaction). These two decay schemes will not occur together because of what might be called exclusion or blocking. In either decay scheme, the remaining nucleons in the nucleus undergo what might be termed a "renegotiation" of the terms and conditions under which they are stuck together. The changes within the decaying atomic nucleus are so profound from the point of view of the nucleons, those protons and neutrons that make up a nucleus, that they all effectively "feel" it at the same time. This instantaneous "knowing" among the nucleons, probably communicated by the residual strong force (nuclear binding energy), will prevent the other type of decay from taking place when the first one is "happening" to the nucleus.

Answer 2

Alpha particles are emitted instead of just protons from radioactive nuclei because alpha release represents more binding energy than just protons, and the decay process "prefers" to lose the most binding energy

Answer 3

Well, they can emit them at close to the same time (milli-seconds apart), but when the atom emits an alpha particle, it becomes a new atom, same with emitting a beta particle, it becomes a new atom.

Because the atom changes, things happen one at a time, so that we can keep better track.

Answer 4

An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom. It does not have any electrons, so it has a +2 charge. As it is emitted, it will steal electrons from whatever it comes across, thus ionizing that material.

Answer 5

Alpha particle is consist of proton and neutron. So, during nuclear reaction alpha particle emitted with charge of +2 units and a mass of 4 units that it recognize as a helium atom.

Answer 6

due to very high binding energy of alpha particle. this type of decay is a result of large nucleus which desire to emit most of its energy.

Answer 7

Alpha particle is a helium atomic nucleus having two protons and an electrical charge 2+.