alpha decay

Question

Alpha decay reduces mass number by:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

An alpha particle ($\alpha$) is equivalent to a Helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons ($^4_2	ext{He}$). When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, it ejects this particle, thereby reducing its atomic number ($Z$) by 2 and its mass number ($A$) by 4. The general reaction is:
$^A_Z	ext{X} 	o ^{A-4}_{Z-2}	ext{Y} + ^4_2	ext{He}$.

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alpha decay

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