What is Alpha Decay?

Alpha decay is one of the radioactive decays in which a nucleus emits an alpha particle that is equivalent to two protons and two neutrons. A reduction in the atomic number by two and the mass number by four is a result of this emission. It aims to achieve this result by reducing the size of the nucleus and increasing its stability.

Alpha decay takes place in high-atomic-mass and instable isotopes like uranium and radium. It is an essential process in nuclear physics and while it plays a major role in the mechanism of radioactive decay, in this case it means the break up of atoms.

The alpha decay of uranium is represented by the following equation:

²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁴₉₀Th + ⁴₂He

Alpha decay is when an atom spits out an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, reducing its mass. This article explains alpha decay, a type of radioactive decay where atoms emit alpha particles. It covers its applications, real-life examples, and significance in various fields.