4 Balancing Nuclear Equations

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 general form of a nuclear decay equation?

Back

A nuclear decay equation typically has the form: Parent Nucleus → Daughter Nucleus + Decay Particle.

Front

How do you identify the daughter nucleus in a beta decay reaction?

Back

In beta decay, the daughter nucleus can be identified by increasing the atomic number of the parent nucleus by 1 while keeping the mass number the same.

Front

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

Back

The atomic number determines the identity of an element; changes in the atomic number during nuclear reactions result in the formation of different elements.

Front

What is a decay particle?

Back

A decay particle is a particle emitted during a nuclear decay process, such as an alpha particle (helium nucleus) or a beta particle (electron or positron).

Front

What is the role of conservation laws in nuclear reactions?

Back

In nuclear reactions, conservation laws (such as conservation of mass number and atomic number) must be satisfied, meaning the total mass and charge before and after the reaction must be equal.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number of an isotope?

Back

The mass number of an isotope is the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.

Front

What is the difference between a stable and unstable isotope?

Back

Stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay, while unstable isotopes are radioactive and will decay over time, emitting particles and energy.