Alpha Decay Calculator

Calculate Alpha Decay Parameters and Energetics

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Q-Value Calculator

Calculate the Q-value for alpha decay

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Daughter Nucleus Calculator

Calculate properties of the daughter nucleus

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Decay Energy Distribution Calculator

Calculate energy distribution between daughter nucleus and alpha particle

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Understanding Alpha Decay

What is Alpha Decay?

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus).

Q-Value

The Q-value represents:

  • Energy released in decay
  • Mass difference converted to energy
  • Determines decay possibility
  • Affects decay probability

Decay Process

During alpha decay:

  • Z decreases by 2
  • A decreases by 4
  • N decreases by 2
  • Energy is conserved

Applications

Alpha decay is important in:

  • Nuclear physics
  • Radiometric dating
  • Nuclear energy
  • Medical applications

Energy Distribution

Energy is shared between:

  • Alpha particle
  • Daughter nucleus
  • Based on conservation laws
  • Depends on masses

Essential Alpha Decay Formulas

Q-Value

Q = (Mp - Md - Mα)c²

Daughter Properties

Zd = Zp - 2, Ad = Ap - 4

Energy Distribution

Eα = Q(Ad/(Ad + 4))