Question

Which of these is at a higher energy level in an alpha decay?

• A. Parent nucleus
• B. Daughter nucleus and alpha particle
• C. Both are equal
• D. Depends on the particular case

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Parent nucleus

Hey, you must have learned that a reaction is energetically favorable, that is, it is spontaneous only if the daughter nucleus (products) have lesser energy than the parent nucleus (reactants)! So, the same is the case with alpha decay, which is a spontaneous process.