Alpha Decay Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

What symbol is used for an alpha particle in a nuclear equation?

$^{4}_{2}\text{He}$

What is the effect of alpha emission on the mass number and atomic number of a nucleus?

Mass number decreases by 4; atomic number (charge) decreases by 2.

What are the steps to complete a nuclear equation for alpha decay?

e.g. $^{226}_{88}\text{Ra} \rightarrow\ ^{?}_{?}\text{Rn} + \alpha$

1. Write alpha as $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$
2. Take 4 off the mass number: $226 - 4 = 222$
3. Take 2 off the atomic number: $88 - 2 = 86$, giving $^{222}_{86}\text{Rn}$

True or false? In alpha decay the charge of the nucleus stays the same.

False. Alpha decay decreases both the mass and the charge of the nucleus.