Describe how you can identify this as an alpha decay equation. Make sure you use the terms atomic masses, alpha particle and atomic number in the answer. *
In an alpha decay equation, an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, causing a decrease in both the atomic number and atomic mass of the parent atom.
You can identify this as an alpha decay equation by looking for an alpha particle (which has an atomic number of 2 and an atomic mass of 4) as one of the products in the equation. The atomic number and atomic mass of the parent atom will also be reduced in the products, indicating that an alpha decay has occurred.