Nuclear Decay Equations

Front

What does the atomic number represent in a nuclear decay equation?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

How does beta radiation affect the mass of a decaying sample?

Back

The mass of the sample remains unchanged during beta decay.

Front

What is the product of the beta decay of Cobalt-60?

Back

The product is Nickel-60.

Front

What is the result of alpha decay for Gold-175?

Back

The product is Iridium-171.

Front

What type of radiation can be blocked by paper?

Back

Alpha radiation can be blocked by paper.

Front

What is the general form of a nuclear decay equation?

Back

A nuclear decay equation typically shows the parent isotope, the decay process, and the resulting daughter isotope.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is the significance of the mass number in nuclear decay?

Back

The mass number indicates the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Front

How do you identify the daughter isotope in a decay equation?

Back

The daughter isotope can be identified by balancing the atomic and mass numbers on both sides of the decay equation.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2 during alpha decay.