Nuclear Decay Practice Problems

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the nucleus into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change in the atomic number of the element.

Front

What is the significance of atomic mass in nuclear decay?

Back

Atomic mass is important in nuclear decay as it helps determine the identity of the resulting element after decay and is used to balance nuclear equations.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear decay equation?

Back

To balance a nuclear decay equation, ensure that the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers are equal on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in nuclear stability?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons; an appropriate ratio of neutrons to protons is crucial for nuclear stability.

Front

What is a half-life in the context of nuclear decay?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay, providing a measure of the stability and decay rate of a radioactive isotope.

Front

What is the difference between a parent and a daughter nuclide?

Back

The parent nuclide is the original unstable nucleus that undergoes decay, while the daughter nuclide is the resulting stable or unstable nucleus formed after the decay process.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma radiation, often following alpha or beta decay, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is the notation for an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is denoted as 4/2 He or simply as α.