[Physics] Charge on the remaining atom after Alpha decay

atomic-physicselectronsnuclear-physicsradiation

In radioactive alpha decay, a helium atom is shown to be released.

However, I was told that only thing released is a helium nucleus. If so, then it should leave two of its electrons in the atom undergoing decay. Which would then mean that the element should possess an electric field around it since a helium nucleus (not a helium atom) is released.

Is that what happens?

Best Answer

You have been misled. An alpha particle decay is exactly that - the unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is a He nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons). Radioactive decay is not an "atomic" process.

The emitted alpha particles (He nuclei) have a +2 positive charge. They leave behind a negatively charged daughter atom (a di-anion). The di-anion also won't be around long; it recoils from the alpha particle emission and will interact with its surroundings, passing on the spare electrons. It is partly this process that releases heat in radioactive materials.

The alpha particles do not go very far unless they are in a vacuum. In air, they travel typically a few cm before interacting with other atoms and picking up a couple of electrons to become He atoms.