Difference between revisions of "Alpha Decay"
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*[[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]]. | *[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] is a form of [[spontaneous fission]]. | ||
| − | *The emitted [[alpha particle]] is a [[helium]] [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] (He²⁺). | + | *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. | *[[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]]. | *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-Müller]] | + | *[[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] can be detected using [[Geiger Counter|Geiger-Müller counters]] or [[scintillation]] detectors. |
===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
Latest revision as of 10:40, 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.