Difference between revisions of "Alpha Decay"
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==Key Stage 5== | ==Key Stage 5== | ||
===Meaning=== | ===Meaning=== | ||
| − | [[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] is a type of [[radioactive decay]] where an unstable [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] | + | [[Alpha Decay|Alpha decay]] is a type of [[Radioactive Decay|radioactive decay]] where an [[Unstable Isotope|unstable]] [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] [[emit]]s an [[alpha particle]] consisting of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s. |
===About Alpha Decay=== | ===About Alpha Decay=== | ||
| − | *Reduces the atomic number by 2 and the [[mass number]] by 4. | + | *Reduces the [[Atomic Number]] atomic number by 2 and the [[Atomic Mass|mass number]] by 4. |
*Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]]. | *Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]]. | ||
*[[Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power. | *[[Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power. | ||
Revision as of 17:00, 17 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.
Examples
- Radium-226 decays to radon-222 by emitting an alpha particle.
- Smoke detectors often use americium-241, which undergoes alpha decay.