What increases in nucleus as a result of alpha and beta decays

AI Thread Summary
Alpha and beta decay processes result in changes to the atomic structure of a nucleus. During alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by two and the mass number decreases by four, while beta decay increases the atomic number by one but does not affect the mass number. The discussions highlight confusion regarding what specific parameter increases as a result of these decays. Participants emphasize the decrease in nucleons and binding energy, yet there is uncertainty about the overall effects on nuclear properties. Understanding the changes in atomic number and mass number is crucial for grasping the implications of these decay processes.
DiamondV
Messages
103
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Well one of the questions that I'm not too sure the answer to is what parameter in the nucleus increases as a result of alpha and beta decay.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Not too sure, I mean atomic number decreases and so does mass number so. But what increases? Theres less nucleons in the nucleus so there's less binding energy but there's also less mass. No idea.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
DiamondV said:

Homework Statement


Well one of the questions that I'm not too sure the answer to is what parameter in the nucleus increases as a result of alpha and beta decay.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Not too sure, I mean atomic number decreases and so does mass number so.

Are you sure about that? What happens when a beta decay occurs?

But what increases? Theres less nucleons in the nucleus so there's less binding energy but there's also less mass. No idea.

Not even any attempt at Googling what happens during these decays?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is my understanding of nuclear fusion and binding energy correct?
Replies
1
Views
977
Determining # of Beta Decays from Alpha Decay
Replies
2
Views
1K
Which Radiation Type Has the Most Energy: Alpha, Beta, or Gamma?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Why Is Energy Released in Nuclear Decay Equal to Change in Binding Energies?
Replies
13
Views
1K
Why does an alpha particle curve less in a magnetic field than a beta?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Isotope decay via alpha and beta particle emissions
Replies
1
Views
1K
Kinetic Energy for particles (alpha decay)
Replies
2
Views
3K
Beta Minus and Beta Plus Decay Disintegration Energies
Replies
2
Views
2K
Homework Question - Beta and Alpha decay
Replies
6
Views
6K
What is the energy of the alpha particle and recoiling nucleus?
Replies
9
Views
6K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top