Quantum Mechanics

Alpha Decay: Quantum Mechanical Tunneling


	protons and neutrons bounce around inside a nucleus
	probability that proton or neutron in any region
	minuscule chance that 2 alpha particles together outside the nucleus greater chance in a large nucleus than in a small one
	Outside range of strong force like a suddenly released spring the positive alpha particle will be repelled from nucleus

fundamental to quantum mechanics - branch of physics that explains particle behaviors in terms of probabilities

for heavy atoms, nucleus may - for shortest of instants - exist in a state that allows it to blow apart