Question

How can I calculate alpha decay?

Answer 1

Radioactive decay can be explained as a spontaneous decay or breakdown of an atomic nucleus. This type of decay in the nucleus causes the release of energy and matter from the nucleus and there are three most common forms of radioactive decay known as alpha, beta and gamma decay.

Complete answer:
Alpha decay is represented by the symbol $\alpha$or it is a type of radioactive decay in which a particle with two neutrons and two protons is ejected from the nucleus of any radioactive atom and also denoted by the symbol$H{{e}^{2+}}$.
Alpha decay naturally occurs in very heavy elements for example uranium, thorium, and radium. These type of elements are known as parent nucleus and basically unstable in nature because the nuclei of these atoms have more number of neutrons in their nuclei as compare to protons which implies they have too large ratio of proton to neutron and this ratio makes these elements neutron-rich. Due to this richness alpha decay is possible. Thus it emits two protons and two neutrons in the form of an alpha particle and a forming of a new daughter nucleus which attains a very stable configuration.
The formula for calculating alpha decay is shown as:
$^{A}{{X}_{Z}}{{\to }^{A-4}}X{{'}_{Z-4}}{{+}^{4}}{{\alpha }_{2}}$
A is the total number of nucleons i.e. number of neutrons + number of electrons and Z is number of protons. Thus by knowing the A and Z value we can easily calculate the alpha decay of that element.

Note:
Number of protons and neutrons present in alpha decay is two and the emitted alpha particle during radioactive decay or nucleus decay is always positive in charge and has very low penetration power.