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Alpha decay vs beta decay

Super199

Anyone care to explain this question

I understand the decay equations but not the whole concept behind the question.

alpha vs beta.jpg34.3KB

Reply 1

KNNY

Original post by Super199

Anyone care to explain this question

I understand the decay equations but not the whole concept behind the question.

Talk about what is emitted in both decays and talk about the proton/nucleon numbers? Maybe about the speed of an alpha particle relative to an electron?

Reply 2

Pololt

Beta decay is emission of either a beta minus particle or beta plus alongside a neutrino or antineutrino, while alpha decay only emits alpha particle
Alpha decay forms new element with two fewer protons and two fewer neutrons; Beta decay forms new element with one more proton and one fewer neutron.

I cant think of what could get you a third mark

And in my opinion the point of the question is just to point out the differences between the 2 decays

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 3

username2029515

Original post by Super199

Anyone care to explain this question

I understand the decay equations but not the whole concept behind the question.

In alpha= Nucleon number decreases by 4, proton number decreases by 2, alpha decay occurs in heavy nuclei and perhaps you could say alpha radiation is more ionising

In beta= Nucleon number doesnt change, proton number increases by 1, occurs in neutron rich nuclei and is less ionising. Beta also emits an anti electron neutrino unlike alpha decay

I think these are the 3 comparisons it wants, have you got AQA paper 2 tomorrow?

Reply 4

Super199

Original post by KNNY

Talk about what is emitted in both decays and talk about the proton/nucleon numbers? Maybe about the speed of an alpha particle relative to an electron?

Alpha slower then electron?

Reply 5

KNNY

Original post by Super199

Alpha slower then electron?

Correct

Reply 6

Eimmanuel

Study Forum Helper

Original post by Super199

Alpha slower then electron?

Original post by KNNY

Correct

I doubt it. There is a distribution of kinetic energies for the beta particles in the beta decay. There is a chance whereby the beta particle is moving slower than the alpha particle.

You may want to say that there is a distribution of kinetic energies of the beta particles but the observed kinetic energy for alpha particles are discrete, having only a few values.