Alpha, Beta, Gamma Decay

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 number.

Front

What is Beta Decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or a positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, transforming a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is Gamma Decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of gamma rays (high-energy photons) from an excited nucleus, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What particle is emitted during Alpha Decay?

Back

An alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What particle is emitted during Beta Decay?

Back

A beta particle, which can be either an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay).

Front

What is the effect of Alpha Decay on the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2.

Front

What is the effect of Beta Decay on the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number increases by 1 for beta-minus decay and decreases by 1 for beta-plus decay.

Front

What is the effect of Gamma Decay on the atomic number of an element?

Back

There is no change in the atomic number or mass number.

Front

Which type of decay is the least penetrating?

Back

Alpha decay is the least penetrating and can be stopped by a sheet of paper.

Front

Which type of decay can penetrate human skin but is stopped by a few millimeters of plastic?

Back

Beta decay can penetrate human skin but is stopped by a few millimeters of plastic.