Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atom releases an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, from its nucleus. This process results in the formation of a new element with a lower atomic number.
Alpha decay occurs when an atom has an excess number of protons in its nucleus, making it unstable. The nucleus then releases an alpha particle to reduce its overall energy and become more stable.
Binding energy is the amount of energy required to break apart the nucleus of an atom into its individual protons and neutrons. It is a measure of the stability of an atom's nucleus, with higher binding energy indicating a more stable nucleus.
In nuclear fusion, two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases large amounts of energy, which is a result of the conversion of some of the mass of the nuclei into energy. The amount of energy released is related to the binding energy of the nuclei involved.
In theory, yes. Fusion reactions have the potential to produce unlimited energy because the fuel source, hydrogen, is abundant in the universe. However, achieving and sustaining controlled fusion reactions on Earth is still a major scientific challenge that requires further research and development.