Alpha Beta Decay 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.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium-4 nucleus.

Front

What is the product of beta decay of Tritium?

Back

Helium-3.

Front

What is the product of beta decay of Carbon-14?

Back

Nitrogen-14.

Front

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Back

α.

Front

What is the product of alpha decay of Thorium-232?

Back

Radium-228.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta decay?

Back

Alpha decay emits an alpha particle, while beta decay emits a beta particle.

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

Back

The half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an atom with an unstable nucleus that decays over time, emitting radiation.

Front

What is the role of a neutron in beta decay?

Back

In beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.