What happens whena nucleus is stabilized by losing alpha particles?
The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.
When a nucleus is stabilized by losing alpha particles, it undergoes a process called alpha decay. Alpha decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is a cluster of two protons and two neutrons (essentially a helium nucleus). This emission of an alpha particle helps to release excess energy and stabilize the nucleus.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of what happens during alpha decay:
1. An atomic nucleus with excessive energy and an excess number of protons or neutrons becomes unstable.
2. To achieve greater stability, the nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.
3. The emission of an alpha particle reduces the atomic number of the nucleus by 2 (decreases the number of protons by 2) and the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) by 4.
4. After the emission of the alpha particle, the remaining nucleus has a lower atomic number and mass number, making it more stable.
5. The emitted alpha particle, which is highly energetic, carries away a significant amount of kinetic energy from the nucleus, further assisting in stabilizing the entire system.
Overall, the stabilization of a nucleus by losing alpha particles through alpha decay helps to reduce the energy and improve the balance of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, leading to a more stable atomic configuration.
When a nucleus loses alpha particles, it undergoes a process known as alpha decay. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, which together form a helium-4 nucleus. This process can occur when a nucleus is unstable or has excess energy due to an imbalance of protons and neutrons.
To understand what happens when a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the unstable nucleus: Look up the atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) of the given nucleus. If the ratio of protons to neutrons is not within the stable range, the nucleus is likely unstable.
2. Determine the product nucleus: In alpha decay, the unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle. This means the atomic number decreases by 2 (Z - 2) and the mass number decreases by 4 (A - 4).
3. Calculate the new atomic number and mass number: Subtract 2 from the original atomic number and subtract 4 from the original mass number to obtain the atomic number and mass number of the product nucleus.
4. Identify the new element: Consult the periodic table to determine which element corresponds to the atomic number of the product nucleus.
For example, if we consider the decay of uranium-238 (U-238), we follow these steps:
1. Uranium-238 has 92 protons and 146 neutrons, which is an unstable composition.
2. In alpha decay, U-238 will lose an alpha particle (helium-4 nucleus), which has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
3. The resulting nucleus will have an atomic number of 92 - 2 = 90 and a mass number of 238 - 4 = 234. Therefore, the product nucleus is thorium-234 (Th-234).
4. By referring to the periodic table, we can determine that thorium (Th) is the element with atomic number 90.
So, when a nucleus is stabilized by losing alpha particles, the atomic number and mass number decrease, leading to the formation of a new element.