MedVision ad

alpha decay (1 Viewer)

stag_j

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2003
Messages
95
Location
Sydney
i understand that when alpha decay occurs, a helium nucleus is ejected from the parent atom. but i'm wondering what happens to the extra electrons...
the parent atom would loose two protons, giving it a charge of -2. is this correct or is there more to the process so that the atom ends up with a neutral charge again?
 

The_White

New Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2003
Messages
7
Location
Armidale
Yea, that about sums it up
You might get Beta decay (electrons) afterwards to stabalise it or it might bond with other atoms, whatever worx
 

Constip8edSkunk

Joga Bonito
Joined
Apr 15, 2003
Messages
2,397
Location
Maroubra
Gender
Male
HSC
2003
beta decay does not involve orbital electrons... the beta particle is emitted from the nucleus.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top