Question

Describe what happens to the mass number and the atomic number of a nuclide during alpha decay.

Answer 1

Protons are positively charged. When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, these changes happen: the mass number decreases by 4. the atomic number decreases by 2.

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer to your question is: The mass number will be 4 units lower.

Explanation:

Alpha particles are Helium atoms, which have a mass number of 4 and atomic number of 2.

When an alpha particle is released, the original atom loses 2 protons and and 2 neutrons an we can see in the example.

                             ²²⁶ ₈₈ Ra  ⇒   ²²² ₈₆ Rn   +   ⁴₂ He