write an equation for alpha decay
The equation for alpha decay is as follows:
Parent nucleus --> Daughter nucleus + Alpha particle
The general form of the equation can be written as:
A(Z)X --> A-4(Z-2)Y + 4(2)He
The equation for alpha decay can be written as:
Parent nucleus ⟶ Daughter nucleus + Helium-4 (alpha particle)
To write an equation for alpha decay, you need to understand what alpha decay is. Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle (\(4He^{2+}\)) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom.
The equation for alpha decay can be represented as follows:
\(^{A}_{Z}X \to ^{A-4}_{Z-2}Y + ^{4}_{2}\alpha\)
In this equation:
- \(^{A}_{Z}X\) represents the parent nucleus, where A is the atomic mass number and Z is the atomic number.
- \(^{A-4}_{Z-2}Y\) represents the daughter nucleus formed after the alpha particle is emitted. The atomic mass number decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2.
- \(^{4}_{2}\alpha\) represents the alpha particle, which has an atomic mass of 4 and an atomic number of 2.
This equation illustrates the transformation of the parent nucleus into a different nucleus with the emission of the alpha particle.