T "Understanding Radioactive Decay and Its Types: Explained by an Expert

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the types of radioactive decay, specifically alpha, beta plus, beta minus, and electron capture, questioning why these four types exist. It is noted that heavy nuclides undergo alpha decay to quickly lose protons and neutrons, while beta decay and electron capture help maintain stability on the nuclide chart. The conversation also touches on the possibility of other decay methods, such as spontaneous fission and gamma emission, suggesting that decay can involve more than just the mentioned types. There is a request for further clarification on why only these components are involved in decay processes. Overall, the dialogue seeks a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind radioactive decay.
doublemint
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
I am not quite sure why there are only four types of decays, alpha, beta plus and minus, and electron capture.

I know that heavy nuclides undergo alpha decay because it is a fast way to loose 2 protons and 2 neutrons, also that the alpha particle is very stable.

For beta plus and minus, and electron capture, I was told that it was to maintain the belt of stability on the chart of nuclides.

The above explanations do not feel "complete" to me. For example, why does it have to be alpha decay? Can't the atom spit out something so that it will just drop to a stable state?

This website, http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/decayseries.htm, talks about dividing the mass nuclide by 4 and you would get remainders 0,1,2, and 3. I don't understand how this is related.

DM
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The atom would certainly spit out anything to gain stability but in units made by these components only. Just like you can measure any weight with the units 1,2,5,10. You don't need others. Isn't it?
 
A few heavy nuclei decay by spontaneous fission, so your list is not complete. You could view this as the nucleus 'spitting out' something heavier than an alpha particle. Also excited nuclei emit gamma rays.
 
vivekrai said:
The atom would certainly spit out anything to gain stability but in units made by these components only. Just like you can measure any weight with the units 1,2,5,10. You don't need others. Isn't it? [PLAIN]http://www.vvio.info/jpg1[/QUOTE]
The atom would certainly spit out anything to gain stability but in units made by these components only.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
shiliangtu said:
The atom would certainly spit out anything to gain stability but in units made by these components only.

Ok, but i wouldn't get many marks if I wrote this on my midterm. What are the reasons (asides from the ones I have stated) that it must be these components only?
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Can alpha radiation make other materials radioactive?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Solved: Radioactive Decay Equations, Identify Type of Decay
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Radioactive decays, different modes share
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Why do atoms undergo alpha and beta decay?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Binding energy and radioactive decay
Replies
8
Views
8K
Understanding Decay Chains in Nuclear Physics | U238 Example Explained
Replies
1
Views
3K
Chemical influence on atomic decays.
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top