Ask a Question

When an alpha particle is ejected from a given element, what happens to the element's atomic number?

+13 votes
in Atomic Number by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+10 votes
by

When an alpha particle is ejected from a given element, the element's atomic number decreases by 2. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, so when it is emitted, the element loses two protons, resulting in a decrease in atomic number.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
Snow Theme by Q2A Market
Powered by Question2Answer
...