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Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
The Nucleus
Physics Textbooks Boundless Physics Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity The Nucleus
Physics Textbooks Boundless Physics Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
Physics Textbooks Boundless Physics
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Concept Version 12
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Nuclear Stability

Alpha Decay

Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is one type of radioactive decay. An atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle and thereby transforms ("decays") into an atom with a mass number smaller by four and an atomic number smaller by two. Many other types of decay are possible.

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Related Terms

  • radioactive decay
  • radionuclide
  • nuclide
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