Difference between revisions of "Alpha Decay"
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*Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]]. | *Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]]. | ||
*[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power. | *[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power. | ||
| + | *[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] is a form of [[spontaneous fission]]. | ||
| + | The emitted [[alpha particle]] is a [[helium]] [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] (He²⁺). | ||
| + | *[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] results in a daughter [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] that is more stable than the parent. | ||
| + | The [[energy]] released during [[alpha decay]] is in the range of 4-9 MeV. | ||
| + | *[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] can be detected using [[Geiger-Müller]] counters or [[scintillation]] detectors. | ||
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===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
Revision as of 10:39, 19 May 2024
Key Stage 5
Meaning
Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
About Alpha Decay
- Reduces the Atomic Number atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
- Common in heavy elements like uranium and radium.
- Alpha particles have low penetration depth but high ionizing power.
- Alpha decay is a form of spontaneous fission.
The emitted alpha particle is a helium nucleus (He²⁺).
- Alpha decay results in a daughter nucleus that is more stable than the parent.
The energy released during alpha decay is in the range of 4-9 MeV.
- Alpha decay can be detected using Geiger-Müller counters or scintillation detectors.
Examples
- Radium-226 decays to radon-222 by emitting an alpha particle.
- Smoke detectors often use americium-241, which undergoes alpha decay.