Radioactive decay

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the element into a different element or isotope.

Front

What are the three main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

The three main types of nuclear radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, making it identical to a helium nucleus. It is positively charged and has low penetrating power.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay. It has a negative charge and moderate penetrating power.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus. It has no charge and high penetrating power.

Front

How does alpha decay occur?

Back

Alpha decay occurs when an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a new element with a mass number reduced by 4 and an atomic number reduced by 2.

Front

How does beta decay occur?

Back

Beta decay occurs when a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.

Front

What is the order of penetrating power for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

The order of penetrating power from least to most is: alpha, beta, gamma.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of a decay chain?

Back

A decay chain is a series of decays that a radioactive isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable isotope.