Radioactive Decay

Front

What is the mass and charge of a gamma particle?

Back

Gamma particles have a mass of 0 and a charge of 0.

Front

What particle is emitted during beta-plus decay?

Back

A positron is emitted during beta-plus decay.

Front

What is fusion in the context of nuclear reactions?

Back

Fusion is the process when two smaller atoms combine to form a larger, more stable atom.

Front

In the decay equation ²⁴⁰₉₄Pu —› ____ + ⁴₂He, what is the missing product?

Back

The missing product is ²³⁶₉₂U.

Front

What happens to an atom's atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2 during alpha decay.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

Back

The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is the role of a neutron in beta decay?

Back

In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino.