Radioactivity

Front

What is radioactivity?

Back

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.

Front

What is a proton?

Back

A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the element's identity.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei and is the least penetrating. Beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons and is more penetrating than alpha. Gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons and is the most penetrating.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

A half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a different element or isotope.

Front

How do you calculate the original mass of a radioactive sample?

Back

To find the original mass, use the formula: Original Mass = Remaining Mass × (2^n), where n is the number of half-lives.

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.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is the release of gamma radiation from an excited nucleus, resulting in a transition to a lower energy state without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom but do not affect its charge.