Nuclear Decay Practice Problems

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

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

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic mass.

Front

What is the atomic mass of an element after alpha decay?

Back

The atomic mass decreases by 4 units after alpha decay.

Front

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Back

The symbol for an alpha particle is ⁴₂He.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) and increasing the atomic number by 1.

Front

What is the symbol for a beta particle?

Back

The symbol for a beta particle is ⁰_-1e.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Front

What does the mass number represent in an atomic symbol?

Back

The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.