What is the theory of alpha decay?

Alpha decay or α-decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or ‘decays’ into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two.

What are the main features of binding energy curve?

Binding energy curve is a plot of the binding energy per nucleon versus the mass number for large nuclei. The main features of his curve are give below: (i) The binding energy per nucleon (Ebn) is practically constant, i.e. practically independent of the atomic number for nuclei of middle mass number ( 30 < A < 170).

What are the conditions for alpha decay?

Alpha (α) decay occurs when the N/Z ratio in a nucleus is too low. In this process, an “alpha particle,” which is the same as a helium nucleus 4He, is emitted. Examples for alpha decay: U 92 238 → T 90 234 h + H 2 4 e .

What happens during alpha decay GCSE?

Alpha decay causes the mass number of the nucleus to decrease by four and the atomic number of the nucleus to decrease by two.

What is alpha decay simple definition?

alpha decay, type of radioactive disintegration in which some unstable atomic nuclei dissipate excess energy by spontaneously ejecting an alpha particle.

What is the binding energy of an alpha particle?

28.511MeV
The Binding energy of the Alpha particle is 28.511MeV.

How do you identify alpha beta and gamma decay?

To determine the type of radiation (alpha, beta or gamma), first determine the background count rate, then the source count rate with no absorber. Next, place a sheet of paper between the source and the monitor. If the counts are significantly reduced, the source emits alpha particles.

What is the alpha decay of radon 219?

Polonium
Thus, we see the following changes caused by the alpha decay of the three most abundant isotopes of radon: Radon-219 becomes Polonium-215. Radon-220 becomes Polonium-216. Radon-222 becomes Polonium-218.