It an atom emits an alpha particle the atomic number of that will ___ by 2 and the mass number will drop by __ Explain why this happens?

1 Answer
Feb 26, 2018

Atomic Number will decrease by 2 and the mass number will drop by 4.

Explanation:

If ""_Z^AX be the parent nucleus and Y be the daughter nucleus, then nuclear equation of emission of alpha particle will be:

""_Z^AX -> ""_2^4He + ""_(Z-2)^(A-4)Y