Why would a nucleus atom undergo alpha decay or beta decay?

Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus is unstable because it has too many protons. The Figure below shows what happens during alpha decay. The nucleus emits an alpha particle and energy. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which is actually a helium nucleus.

What causes nuclei to decay?

Nuclear decay occurs when the nucleus of an atom is unstable and spontaneously emits energy in the form of radiation. The result is that the nucleus changes into the nucleus of one or more other elements. These daughter nuclei have a lower mass and are more stable (lower in energy) than the parent nucleus.

Why does beta decay increase atomic number?

In beta decay, one of the neutrons in the nucleus suddenly changes into a proton, causing an increase in the atomic number of an element.

Which of the following nuclei would be most likely to undergo β ⁻ decay?

Pt-200 is most likely to undergo beta-minus decay.

Why does beta decay occur in lighter elements?

Beta decay is most common in elements with a high neutron to proton ratio. It is formed when a proton breaks into a neutron with mass and neutral charge and this positron with no mass and the positive charge. Positron emission is most common in lighter elements with a low neutron to proton ratio.

What effect does beta decay have on the nucleus?

Beta decay changes the atomic number of the nucleus by increasing the number of protons, by decreasing the number of neutrons while leaving the atomic mass essentially the same.

What happens during beta decay in the nucleus?

In electron emission, also called negative beta decay (symbolized β−-decay), an unstable nucleus emits an energetic electron (of relatively small mass) and an antineutrino (with little or possibly no rest mass), and a neutron in the nucleus becomes a proton that remains in the product nucleus.

Why do some nuclei decay while others don’t?

Radioactive decay a the spontaneous process through which an unstable atomic nucleus breaks into smaller, more stable fragments. Have you ever wondered why some nuclei decay while others don’t? It’s basically a matter of thermodynamics. Every atom seeks to be as stable as possible.

What are the different types of decay in an atom?

1 Alpha Decay. In alpha decay, the nucleus ejects an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium nucleus (two protons and two neutrons), decreasing the atomic number of the parent by 2 Beta Decay. 3 Gamma Decay.

Why is radioactive decay stable or unstable?

It’s basically a matter of thermodynamics. Every atom seeks to be as stable as possible. In the case of radioactive decay, instability occurs when there is an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.