Physics GCSE
alpha decay
What alpha decay means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of alpha decay
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Reference: AQA
A type of decay that causes both the mass and charge of the nucleus to decrease.
Topics that use alpha decay
- Nuclear equations (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- balanced nuclear equations
- balancing equations
- beta decay
- conservation of charge
- conservation of mass number
- emitted particle numbers
- increased atomic number
- loss of energy
Using alpha decay in the exam
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