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Alpha and Beta Decay (1 Viewer)

superSAIyan2

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If a radioisotope undergoes alpha decay does the new atom formed have a charge of 2-?

For example: 222-Rn (atomic number 86) ----> 218 Po (atomic number 84) + 4He(2)

Since radioactive radon atom is neutral and the alpha particle has +2 charge then should the Po atom have -2 charge.

Similarly in beta decay does the new atom have a +1 charge since the electron emitted has a -1charge? Because the neutron splits to form p+ and an electron, wouldn't the new atom have one more proton than electron

Thanks
 
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Parvee

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The alpha particle has a charge of +2 but its not necessary to write the charge, so the answer you gave is correct

Same thing for beta its not necessary
 

superSAIyan2

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Thanks for the reply :) I knew u dont need to write the charge but i was wondering if the new atom was charged or not.
 

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