Question about beta and alpha decay...

[Gagabiji]

When a radioactive atom goes through say beta decay for instance, one of it's nuetrons turns into a proton by expelling an electron. Say it has 19 protons and electrons, when it starts, and now it has 20 protons and 19 electrons, but that can't be right because a atom has to have the same number of protons and electrons. Yes, I already googled it, and it didn't help much. Can anyone help me with this?

I am just learning this, not everyone on AT is a college graduate, so please don't slam me too hard for my stupid question. 😉

 

[GimpyOne]

I think what you are missing is that an atom does not have to have the same number of protons and electrons, it simply then becomes a charged ion. During the decay process mass and charge must be conserved on both sides of the reaction, but all of the charge or mass is not required to stay with that atom.

 

[TuxDave]

Originally posted by: GimpyOne
I think what you are missing is that an atom does not have to have the same number of protons and electrons, it simply then becomes a charged ion. During the decay process mass and charge must be conserved on both sides of the reaction, but all of the charge or mass is not required to stay with that atom.

Ding ding ding. Protons and electrons only need to balance if you want the atom to have an overall neutral charge. You can strip or add electrons to atoms thus creating a net charge. Google 'ions' for more information.

 

[Gagabiji]

Ok, thank guys! Googling "ions" right now...

 

[Cogman]

btw, Html does not work for the sigs. Atoms dont usually like to be Ions And hence the reasion for chemical reactions.