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13 July, 14:57

What happens in the nucleus of an atom when an alpha particle is emitted

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  1. 13 July, 15:18
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    An alpha particle or helium nucleus consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

    So the atomic mass (number of protons and neutrons) of the element decreases by 4 and the atomic number (number of protons) goes down by 2.

    The loosing of the 2 protons causes the element to change.

    Gamma radiation will also be emitted although this can be some time after.
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