Question

Describe alpha decay.

Answer 1

Answer: Alpha decay is one of the nuclear decay process.

Explanation:

Alpha decay is one of the nuclear decay process. In this decay process, alpha particle is released.

In this decay, a heavier nuclei is converted to lighter nuclei with the release of alpha particle. Alpha particle released carries a mass of 4 units and a charge of +2 units. The alpha particle is also known as helium atom.

In this decay, the atomic number of the atom released gets reduced by 2 units and atomic mass is reduced by 4 units.

The chemical equation for the alpha decay process is given as:

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}\textrm{Y}+_2^4\alpha$

Answer 2

Alpha decay is one process that unstable atoms can use to become more stable. During alpha decay, an atom's nucleus sheds two protons and two neutrons in a packet that scientists call an alpha particle. Since an atom loses two protons duringalpha decay, it changes from one element to another