- #1
AHUGEMUSHROOM
- 22
- 0
For example, when a radioactive isotope of Uranium undergoes alpha decay, a radioactive isotope of Thorium is formed. Why isn't this daughter isotope charged?
The daughter isotopes of alpha decay have no charge because during alpha decay, a helium nucleus (which has a charge of +2) is emitted from the parent nucleus. This leaves the daughter nucleus with a net charge of 0, as it has lost two protons.
The daughter isotopes of alpha decay have no charge because the alpha particle, which is emitted during the decay process, has a positive charge of +2. This balances out the charge of the daughter nucleus, leaving it with a net charge of 0.
The charge of the parent nucleus decreases by 2 during alpha decay. This is because an alpha particle (which has a charge of +2) is emitted from the parent nucleus, leaving it with a net charge of 2 less than before.
No, it is not possible for the daughter isotopes of alpha decay to have a different charge than the parent nucleus. This is because the emission of an alpha particle during alpha decay ensures that the charge of the daughter nucleus is always 2 less than the parent nucleus, maintaining the overall charge balance.
It is important for the daughter isotopes of alpha decay to have no charge because this helps to maintain the stability of the nucleus. If the daughter isotopes were to have a different charge than the parent nucleus, it could lead to an unstable nucleus and potentially cause further radioactive decay.