Question

What is alpha decay?

Answer 1

Alpha decay is a nuclear change process which produces an alpha particle. Alpha particles are He atoms which have had their electrons removed giving them a +2 charge.

Alpha decay will cause transmutation to occur - this means that one element will turn into another element as the alpha particles are released.

Important connection to history - Rutherford used a radioactive substance (Polonium) in his gold foil experiment when he discovered the nucleus.

Here is a video which discusses how to write and balance an equation for an alpha decay process.

Noel P.