Question

When a nucleus α decays, does the α particle move continuously from inside the nucleus to outside? That is, does it travel each point along an imaginary line from inside to out? Explain.

a) Yes, the α particle moves continuously.

b) No, the α particle appears outside the nucleus instantly.

c) Yes, but the motion is imperceptibly slow.

d) No, the α particle remains inside the nucleus.

Answer 1

Alpha decay involves the quantum mechanical concept of wave functions and probability, not the classical idea of a particle moving continuously. Therefore, the alpha particle instantaneously 'appears' outside the nucleus without traversing the space in-between in a continuous path.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of alpha (a) decay involves the emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus of an atom. According to quantum mechanics, this phenomenon doesn't entail a particle moving continuously along an imaginary line from inside to outside the nucleus. Instead, it involves the wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle, suggesting that particles like alpha particles are represented by a wave function that encapsulates the probability of the particle's position. Consequently, there is a probability that the alpha particle will be found outside the nucleus without having traversed the intervening space in a classical sense.

In alpha decay, the nucleus might expel two protons and two neutrons bound together (which is an alpha particle, essentially a helium-4 nucleus), changing the emitting nucleus into another element. However, the alpha particle does not 'move' in a traditional sense from inside to outside the nucleus, but quantum tunneling allows it to 'appear' outside the nucleus.

So, the correct answer to the question would be option (b) No, the alpha particle appears outside the nucleus instantly due to quantum mechanical effects.