It an atom emits an alpha particle the atomic number of that will ___ by 2 and the mass number will drop by __ Explain why this happens?

1 Answer
Feb 26, 2018

Atomic Number will decrease ** by #2# and the mass number will drop by 4**.

Explanation:

If #""_Z^AX# be the parent nucleus and #Y# be the daughter nucleus, then nuclear equation of emission of alpha particle will be:

#""_Z^AX -> ""_2^4He + ""_(Z-2)^(A-4)Y#