NDLI: Alpha Decay

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Alpha Decay

Content Provider	AK Lectures
Description	When an unstable nuclei disintegrates into a completely new atom that is more stable than the previous one and in the process releases an alpha particle, such a radioactive decay is appropriately called alpha decay. An alpha particle is a bundle of four nucleons (two protons and two neutrons) that are held together by strong and weak nuclear forces. Since a helium atom contains a nucleus that also has four nucleons, two protons and two neutrons, we sometimes refer to the alpha particle as being a helium atom. However, the alpha particle, unlike a neutron helium atom, does not contain electrons and so the alpha particle contains a positive two charge. One particular example of an alpha decay is the radium-226 atom decaying into the radon-222 atom. Radium is extremely unstable as a result of the high number of protons and the large size of the nucleus. Since strong nuclear forces only act over a very short distance, these forces cannot hold the large nucleus together and the high electric forces from the protons force the radium atom to disintegrate, thereby releasing an alpha particle from the nucleus of the atom and forming a new atom. The old, unstable atom is referred to as the parent nucleus while the new and more stable atom is called the daughter nucleus.
Language	English
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Modern Physics act distance neutrons bundle Radium
Content Type	Video
Educational Role	Teacher Student
Educational Use	Self Learning Lecture Reading
Resource Type	Video Lecture
Education Level	Under Graduate
Subject	Modern physics

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