Where do the electrons go in a decay process?

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SUMMARY

In alpha decay, the alpha particle, which is essentially a helium nucleus, initially does not have any electrons orbiting it. After the decay, the daughter nucleus becomes ionized with a charge of -2. Over time, electrons from surrounding atoms redistribute to neutralize the charge of the daughter atom, leading to the formation of helium gas when the alpha source is contained. This process illustrates the dynamic nature of electron distribution following radioactive decay.

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  • Knowledge of electron behavior in chemical reactions
  • Basic principles of radioactive decay and particle physics
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_Andreas
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In an alpha decay the alpha particle doesn't have any electrons orbiting around it, right? But what about the remaining daughter nucleus? And where do the electrons go if they go?
 
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The daughter atom is initially ionized (-2).
 
Aha. Thanks!
 
"Where do the electrons go in a decay process?"

To that which many have sought but none have found - the legendary Electron Graveyard.
 
DaveC426913 said:
the legendary Electron Graveyard.

Littered with fossilized strings, of course. :biggrin:

_Andreas said:
In an alpha decay the alpha particle doesn't have any electrons orbiting around it, right?

Not initially. But I understand that one of the original pieces of evidence that alpha particles are really helium nuclei was that if you seal an alpha source into an airtight container, when you open the container later, you find some helium gas in it. So the alphas eventually pick up electrons. These are probably not directly from the ionized atoms that they left behind, but other electrons eventually redistribute themselves to make all the atoms neutral again.
 

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