Question

What changes occur in the nucleus of a radioactive element when it emits an alpha particle. Give one example, in support of your answer.

Answer 1

\[\ce{^A_ZX -> {^{A-4}_{z-2}Y} + ^4_2He}\] (α - particle)

Compared to the original or parent nucleus, the resultant nucleus has 2 fewer protons and 2 fewer neutrons, for a total of 4 nucleons.

Example: \[\ce{^238_92U -> ^234_90Th + ^4_2 He}\] (α - particle)