LT 2.5 Checkpoint

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that have no mass and are highly penetrating.

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 emitted during alpha decay?

Back

An alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted.

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation is a type of nuclear radiation that consists of beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons.

Front

What is the mass number in a nuclear symbol?

Back

The mass number (A) is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the atomic number in a nuclear symbol?

Back

The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element.

Front

What type of decay is represented by the equation: 8_5^209At = ___ + 2_4^He?

Back

This equation represents alpha decay.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons), while beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2 during alpha decay.

Front

What happens to the mass number during alpha decay?

Back

The mass number decreases by 4 during alpha decay.