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Does alpha decay have anything to do with weak interaction?

Physics Asked by David Cian on January 22, 2021

In alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (identical to a helium-4 nucleus). This happens in large nuclei because the nuclear force keeping the nucleus together is outweighed by the electromagnetic force.

Makes sense to me, but isn’t the weak interaction supposed to be "responsible for all radioactive decay of atoms"? Alpha decay is considered as such, so is the weak interaction involved in any way?

One Answer

The basic radioactive decay modes are alpha decay (the emission of a helium nucleus), beta decay (the emission of electrons/positrons and neutrinos), and gamma decay (emission of photons). These decays are governed by the strong, weak, and electromagnetic force, respectively.

Obviously, there are many details. There are other forms of radioactivity (neutron emitters, proton emitters, .. ), and all interactions contribute to the precise rate of alpha, beta, and gamma decays. For example, since alphas are charged, the alpha decay rate is governed by the Coulomb barrier.

Correct answer by Thomas on January 22, 2021

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