What is alpha decay paradox?
What is alpha decay paradox?
Alpha decay or α-decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or ‘decays’ into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two.
What is alpha particle charge?
A positively charged particle ejected spontaneously from the nuclei of some radioactive elements. It is identical to a helium nucleus that has a mass number of 4 and an electrostatic charge of +2.
What causes alpha decay?
Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus is unstable because it has too many protons. The nucleus emits an alpha particle and energy. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which is actually a helium nucleus. Losing the protons and neutrons makes the nucleus more stable.
What is the daughter element?
The element formed when a radioactive element undergoes radioactive decay. The latter is called the parent. The daughter may or may not be radioactive.
What can stop a beta particle?
Beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, but are less damaging to living tissue and DNA because the ionizations they produce are more widely spaced. They travel farther in air than alpha particles, but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or by a thin layer of a substance such as aluminum.
What can stop beta rays?
What force is responsible for alpha decay?
electromagnetic force
In contrast to beta decay, the fundamental interactions responsible for alpha decay are a balance between the electromagnetic force and nuclear force.
Why are alpha particles stable?
An alpha particle, with its two protons and two neutrons, is a very stable configuration of particles. Alpha radiation reduces the ratio of protons to neutrons in the parent nucleus, bringing it to a more stable configuration. This polonium nucleus has 84 protons and 126 neutrons.
How is alpha decay used in smoke detectors?
An isotope of americium which emits alpha particles is used in smoke alarms. Alpha radiation ionises the air and this allows a small current to flow between two electrodes. Alpha is weakly penetrating so smoke stops it, the current drops and the alarm goes off.
What is parent nuclide?
A nuclide before disintegration is called a parent nuclide and that after disintegration is called a daughter nuclide. A nuclide whose daughter nuclide is energetically unstable repeats disintegration until becoming energetically stable. Radioactive.
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