Isotopes, Radioactive Decay, & Half-Life

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different atomic mass.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, transforming into a more stable form.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form.

Front

What type of radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta decay emits beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a radioactive substance after a certain number of half-lives?

Back

The remaining amount can be calculated using the formula: Remaining Amount = Initial Amount × (1/2)^(number of half-lives).

Front

What is the half-life of strontium-90?

Back

The half-life of strontium-90 is 28 years.

Front

If a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12,000 years, how much will remain after 36,000 years?

Back

1/8 of the original amount will remain after 36,000 years.

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with no mass and are highly penetrating.

Front

What type of decay is represented by the emission of an alpha particle?

Back

Alpha decay is represented by the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What happens to the atomic number of an element during beta decay?

Back

During beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 as a neutron is converted into a proton.