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Created page with "==Key Stage 5== ===Meaning=== Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle consisting of two p..."
==Key Stage 5==
===Meaning===
[[Alpha decay]] is a type of [[radioactive decay]] where an unstable [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] emits an [[alpha particle]] consisting of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.
===About Alpha Decay===
*Reduces the atomic number by 2 and the [[mass number]] by 4.
*Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]].
*[[Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power.
===Examples===
*[[Radium]]-226 [[Decay (Physics)|decays]] to [[radon]]-222 by emitting an [[alpha particle]].
*Smoke detectors often use [[americium]]-241, which undergoes [[alpha decay]].
===Meaning===
[[Alpha decay]] is a type of [[radioactive decay]] where an unstable [[Atomic Nucleus|nucleus]] emits an [[alpha particle]] consisting of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.
===About Alpha Decay===
*Reduces the atomic number by 2 and the [[mass number]] by 4.
*Common in heavy [[element]]s like [[uranium]] and [[radium]].
*[[Alpha particles]] have low [[Penetration Depth|penetration depth]] but high ionizing power.
===Examples===
*[[Radium]]-226 [[Decay (Physics)|decays]] to [[radon]]-222 by emitting an [[alpha particle]].
*Smoke detectors often use [[americium]]-241, which undergoes [[alpha decay]].