Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus is unstable because it has too many protons. … The nucleus emits an alpha particle and energy. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which is actually a helium nucleus. Losing the protons and neutrons makes the nucleus more stable.
What is alpha decay explain with example?
α-decay: When a radioactive nucleus disintegrates by emitting an αα-particle, the atomic number decreases by two and mass number decreases by four. Example: 88Ra226→86Rn222+2He4.
What are the conditions for alpha decay?
Alpha decay occurs when heavy atoms above Z = 83 in the nuclide chart emit an alpha particle, which consists of a helium nuclei with two neutrons, two protons, and a 2+ charge.