the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 4 units less than the parent nucleus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 149 views

Understanding Alpha Decay: A Comparative Analysis of Parent and Daughter Nuclei

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This process results in the transformation of a parent nucleus into a daughter nucleus, with a significant decrease in atomic mass and atomic number. In this article, we will examine the given example of alpha decay: $Pu_{94}^{239} \xrightarrow[24,000 \text{ years }]{ } U_{92}^{235} + He_2^4$ . We will compare the parent and daughter nuclei, focusing on their atomic mass and atomic number.

The atomic mass of an element is the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom. In the given example, the parent nucleus $Pu_{94}^{239}$ has an atomic mass of 239 units. The daughter nucleus $U_{92}^{235}$ has an atomic mass of 235 units. Therefore, the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 4 units less than the parent nucleus.

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. In the given example, the parent nucleus $Pu_{94}^{239}$ has an atomic number of 94. The daughter nucleus $U_{92}^{235}$ has an atomic number of 92. Therefore, the atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 2 units less than the parent nucleus.

In conclusion, the two statements that best compare the parent and daughter nuclei are:

The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is four less than the parent nucleus.
The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is two less than the parent nucleus.

These statements accurately reflect the changes that occur during alpha decay, resulting in a decrease in atomic mass and atomic number.

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle.
The parent nucleus $Pu_{94}^{239}$ undergoes alpha decay to form the daughter nucleus $U_{92}^{235}$ .
The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 4 units less than the parent nucleus.
The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 2 units less than the parent nucleus.

What is alpha decay? Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle.
What is the parent nucleus in the given example? The parent nucleus is $Pu_{94}^{239}$ .
What is the daughter nucleus in the given example? The daughter nucleus is $U_{92}^{235}$ .
What is the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus? The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 235 units.
What is the atomic number of the daughter nucleus? The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 92.
Alpha Decay Q&A: Understanding the Basics

Alpha decay is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics, where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a decrease in atomic mass and atomic number. In our previous article, we explored the example of alpha decay: $Pu_{94}^{239} \xrightarrow[24,000 \text{ years }]{ } U_{92}^{235} + He_2^4$ . In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of alpha decay, answering frequently asked questions and providing a comprehensive understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Q1: What is alpha decay?

A1: Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This process results in the transformation of a parent nucleus into a daughter nucleus, with a significant decrease in atomic mass and atomic number.

Q2: What is the parent nucleus in the given example?

A2: The parent nucleus in the given example is $Pu_{94}^{239}$ .

Q3: What is the daughter nucleus in the given example?

A3: The daughter nucleus in the given example is $U_{92}^{235}$ .

Q4: What is the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus?

A4: The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 235 units.

Q5: What is the atomic number of the daughter nucleus?

A5: The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 92.

Q6: What is the difference in atomic mass between the parent and daughter nuclei?

A6: The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 4 units less than the parent nucleus.

Q7: What is the difference in atomic number between the parent and daughter nuclei?

A7: The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 2 units less than the parent nucleus.

Q8: What is the time period for alpha decay in the given example?

A8: The time period for alpha decay in the given example is 24,000 years.

Q9: What is the energy released during alpha decay?

A9: The energy released during alpha decay is in the form of kinetic energy of the alpha particle and the daughter nucleus.

Q10: What are the applications of alpha decay in real-life scenarios?

A10: Alpha decay has various applications in medicine, industry, and research, including cancer treatment, nuclear power generation, and dating of archaeological samples.

In conclusion, alpha decay is a fundamental process in nuclear physics, resulting in the transformation of a parent nucleus into a daughter nucleus. By understanding the basics of alpha decay, we can appreciate the complex phenomena that occur at the atomic level. We hope that this Q&A article has provided a comprehensive understanding of alpha decay and its applications.

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle.
The parent nucleus $Pu_{94}^{239}$ undergoes alpha decay to form the daughter nucleus $U_{92}^{235}$ .
The atomic mass of the daughter nucleus is 4 units less than the parent nucleus.
The atomic number of the daughter nucleus is 2 units less than the parent nucleus.
Alpha decay has various applications in medicine, industry, and research.

What is alpha decay?
What is the parent nucleus in the given example?
What is the daughter nucleus in the given example?
What is the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus?
What is the atomic number of the daughter nucleus?
What is the difference in atomic mass between the parent and daughter nuclei?
What is the difference in atomic number between the parent and daughter nuclei?
What is the time period for alpha decay in the given example?
What is the energy released during alpha decay?
What are the applications of alpha decay in real-life scenarios?