Nuclear decay is the breakdown of an atom's nucleus, often transforming it from one element into another. The nucleus can lose protons and neutrons, have protons become neutrons, or neutrons become protons. Often, this is also accompanied by potent electromagnetic energy releases called gamma-rays...
How does alpha decay release protons and neutrons? Does alpha decay release electrons? Does beta decay result in an ion? Is alpha decay the same as alpha emission? Why does beta radiation raise the atomic number? Does beta decay emit beta waves? Where does the electron go in beta decay?
Alpha radiation has a positive charge because the alpha particle emitted as alpha radiation is composed of two protons and two neutrons. The two protons each have a charge of +1, while the neutrons have a neutral charge. As there are no electrons orbiting the alpha particle, there is no ne...