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What happens when an unstable nucleus decays via alpha radiation?
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
- mass number decreases by 4
- atomic number decreases by 2
- the nuclei recoil quite strongly (compared to other modes of decay) due to the large mass of the alpha particle
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIt loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The alpha particle is ejected violently and the daughter nucleus recoils some (just like a bullet and gun).
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIt emits an alpha particle - that's a helium-4 nucleus. Since that alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons, the remaining atom will have that many protons and neutrons less.
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What type of particle is emitted when a U-235 decays to Np-235?
It is negative beta particle emitted by a uranium nucleus and converting it to neptunium nucleus.
What is a radioactive decay series and when does it end?
Usually called a 'decay chain', there is a series of radioactive decays which end with a stable isotope. Ex: uranium undergoes about 14 steps in the decay chain that ends with the formation of a stable isotope of Lead.
What actually decays in radioactive decay?
The nucleus of the atom decays, and in the process, the nucleus transforms into another element, or into an isotope or isomer of the same element. In radioactive decay, the nucleus always emits some kind of particle(s). It is the high-energy emission of these particles that we call radiation. There are many different types of radioactive decay:Alpha decay results in the emission of an alpha particle (two neutrons and two protons)Beta decay results in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or a positron)Neutron decay results in the emission of a neutronProton decay results in the emission of a protonGamma decay results in the emission of a gamma particle (a photon)Neutrino decay results in the emission of a neutrino or antineutrinoIn some cases, a combination of the above emissions takes place. For example in double beta decay, a single nucleus emits two electrons and two antineutrinos in the same event.
What is a dacay chain?
When a radioactive isotope decays, it may convert to another isotope which is, again, unstable. The "decay chain" refers to the complete list of all the intermediate products, until a stable isotope is reached.
What are examples of nuclear changes in mass?
Changes in nuclear mass can happen when, say, radioactive decay occurs and a nucleus loses mass. When an unstable atomic nucleus "adjusts" to a new state, it dumps a particle or particles, and energy, and its mass decreases. Certainly nuclear fission will cause a dramatic reduction in nuclear mass, but this is the actual "breaking up" of a nucleus into smaller nuclei called fission fragments. Perhaps an example will help. The element radon is an inert gas, but it has no stable isotopes. It's most stable isotope, 222Rn, appears as a decay product of radium; it's a radioactive daughter. It turns out that 222Rn decays by alpha emission, and that means that two neutrons and two protons are kicked out of the nucleus. This will produce the radioactive daughter product polonium-218. It is possible for a nucleus to absorb a particle and gain mass. Frequently this will cause nuclear instability (if it doesn't actually initiate fission) and create a radionuclide, which is unstable and will eventually decay. But something like, say, neutron absorption (neutron capture) will result in an atomic nuclei with a greater mass than the original atomic nucleus that absorbed that neutron. It is of note that fusion knits smaller nuclei or particles together to create a larger nucleus, but this may not necessarily be considered a "simple increase" of mass in a nucleus, though the resultant nucleus will be heavier than any constituent nucuei or particles. You may want an example. If we stick some uranium-238 into an operating nuclear reactor, the 238U will absorb a neutron to become 239U, which is heavier by one neutron that the atomic nucleus that absorbed that neutron. (The 239U is unstable and decays in a couple of steps to make 239Pu, which is used as the fissile material in most nuclear bombs and as a fuel in some nuclear reactors.) Use the links below to related articles posted by our friends at Wikipedia, where knowledge is free.
When does decay occur?
Radioactive decay happens in an unstable isotope of a given element, as the isotope decays radiation is given off. As for when exactly, the decay of a nucleus is spontaneous and random so averages are used, these averages are different for different isotopes, but are measured as the "half life" (the time it takes for half the nucleus to decay).
When does radioactivite decay occur?
Radioactive decay happens in an unstable isotope of a given element, as the isotope decays radiation is given off. As for when exactly, the decay of a nucleus is spontaneous and random so averages are used, these averages are different for different isotopes, but are measured as the "half life" (the time it takes for half the nucleus to decay).
What quality in uranium makes it useful in nuclear power?
An unstable nucleus which decays emitting a neutron.
Are the alpha particle and helium nucleus the same thing?
Yes and no, alpha particles are a form or radiation (a helium nucleus), they are emitted from an unstable radioactive element which decays (and turns into some lighter element) by emitting the alpha particle. This form of decay is called alpha decay.
Radioactive decay is when unstable atoms?
give off nuclear radiation
What it means when an element is radioactive?
Radioactive elements have unstable nucleii. When an unstable nucleus decays it emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves and heavy particles and in the process forms new nucleii.
What type of energy is released when one element decays into other elements?
This would be radioactivity in which alpha or beta particles are released. The nucleus concerned decays into another nucleus with lower energy, resulting in ejection of the particle which has kinetic energy, until it is absorbed into some other material which will happen quite quickly. See the link below for more discussion of the energy changes
What is the term for an atom the decays?
unstable, radioactive
What does being radioactive mean?
Exhibiting or caused by radioactivity.Radioactivity: the spontaneous emission of a stream of particles or electromagnetic rays in nuclear decay.Examples are radioactive isotopes [an unstable nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay], radioactive dating [the process by which the approximate age of an object is determined based on the amount of certain radioactive nuclides present], and radioactive decay [the spontaneous disintegration of a nucleus into a slightly lighter and more stable nucleus, accompanied by emission of particles, electromagnetic radiation, or both.]
What is an unstable chemical that decays fast?
H+ ion
When U-238 decays to th-234 what has been emitted?
When U-238 decays to Th-234, an alpha particle is emitted. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, and is essentially a helium nucleus.
Which of the decays doesnt affect the nucleus?
Electromagnetic, as the nucleus has no charge
