Balancing Nuclear Equations Flashcard

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 the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), resulting in a decrease in the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in nuclear equations?

Back

The atomic number determines the identity of an element and its position in the periodic table; it is crucial for balancing nuclear equations.

Front

What is the mass number in nuclear physics?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus, which is used to identify isotopes.

Front

What is the role of helium in alpha decay?

Back

In alpha decay, helium is emitted as an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, representing a significant loss of mass from the original nucleus.

Front

What is the difference between beta minus and beta plus decay?

Back

Beta minus decay involves the emission of an electron and the conversion of a neutron into a proton, while beta plus decay involves the emission of a positron and the conversion of a proton into a neutron.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

Front

What is the equation for beta decay of Carbon-14?

Back

The equation for the beta decay of Carbon-14 is: 14_6C → 14_7N + 0_-1e.

Front

What is the equation for alpha decay of Radium-226?

Back

The equation for the alpha decay of Radium-226 is: 226_88Ra → 222_86Rn + 4_2He.