Question

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

Answer 1

@ganeshie8 @acxbox22 @bohotness @CausticSyndicalist @freckles @Nnesha

Answer 2

http://www.gcsescience.com/prad6-alpha-nuclear-equations.htm

Answer 3

Thanks @acxbox22

Answer 4

no problem

Answer 5

websites explain better than people sometimes

Answer 6

alpha: 2 protons & 2 neutrons leave nucleus as a helium nucleus. This results in the atomic mass decreasing by 4 units and the atomic number decreasing by 2 units. Another element is thus formed.
beta: a neutron turns into a proton & an electron. The electron leaves. This results in negligible loss of atomic mass and an increase in atomic number. Another element is thus also formed.