Changes

[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] is a type of [[Radioactive Decay|radioactive decay]] where an [[Unstable Isotope|unstable ]] [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] emits [[emit]]s an [[Alpha Particle|alpha particle]] consisting of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.

*Reduces the [[Atomic Number]] atomic number by 2 and the [[Atomic Mass|mass number]] by 4.

*[[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|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|alpha decay]] is in the range of 4-9 M[[Electron-volt|eV]].*[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] can be detected using [[Geiger Counter|Geiger-Müller counters]] or [[scintillation]] detectors. 

*[[Radium]]-226 [[Radioactive Decay (Physics)|decays]] to [[radon]]-222 by emitting an [[Alpha Particle|alpha particle]].*Smoke detectors often use [[americium]]-241, which undergoes [[Alpha Decay|alpha decay]].