Alpha Decay & Nuclear Equations | GCSE Physics
Alpha decay happens when a heavy nucleus emits an alpha particle to become more stable.
By how much does the mass number decrease in alpha decay?
What is Alpha Decay & Nuclear Equations | GCSE Physics?
"Nuclear equations representing the emission of an alpha particle from an unstable nucleus."
Which type of radiation is stopped by a single sheet of paper?
Niels Bohr changed the atomic model by suggesting that electrons ____.
Which type of radiation is an electromagnetic wave?
What is the definition of half-life?
Alpha Balancing
An alpha particle is 2 protons and 2 neutrons (Helium nucleus).
The Mass Number decreases by 4.
The Atomic Number decreases by 2.
Example: Uranium-238 becomes Thorium-234.
Equation Check: In a nuclear equation, the sum of numbers on the left MUST equal the sum on the right for both mass and charge.
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