Chemistry Final Exam Study Guide

Front

What type of nuclear radiation is emitted during alpha decay?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons) being emitted from a radioactive atom.

Front

Define valence electron.

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Front

List the three types of nuclear radiation.

Back

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

Front

What particle is released during the radioactive decay of thorium (Th) in alpha decay?

Back

In alpha decay, an alpha particle (helium nucleus) is released.

Front

What must an atom have to be considered neutral if it has 12 positively charged subatomic particles?

Back

It must have 12 electrons to balance the positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle has a positive charge due to its two protons.

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation is the emission of electrons (beta particles) or positrons from a radioactive nucleus.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

How do you determine the number of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.