alpha decay (1 Viewer)

stag_j

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i understand that when alpha decay occurs, a helium nucleus is ejected from the parent atom. but i'm wondering what happens to the extra electrons...
the parent atom would loose two protons, giving it a charge of -2. is this correct or is there more to the process so that the atom ends up with a neutral charge again?
 

The_White

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Yea, that about sums it up
You might get Beta decay (electrons) afterwards to stabalise it or it might bond with other atoms, whatever worx
 

Constip8edSkunk

Joga Bonito
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beta decay does not involve orbital electrons... the beta particle is emitted from the nucleus.
 

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