Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2510 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Twin: Alpha Decay
Captions available
The idea
Alpha decay emits a helium nucleus, lowering mass number by four and atomic number by two, occurring primarily among heavy nuclei.
In practice
Polonium-210 undergoes alpha decay to form lead-206, losing two protons and two neutrons as the emitted particle.
Where people slip
Alpha decay changes both mass and atomic number together — mistaking it for the mode changing only atomic number is this twin's error.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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