Radioactive Decay

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

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

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change in the atomic number of the element.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus, emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

In beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 if a beta-minus particle (electron) is emitted, or decreases by 1 if a beta-plus particle (positron) is emitted.

Front

What is the result of alpha decay on the mass number of an atom?

Back

During alpha decay, the mass number of the atom decreases by 4.

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 is the difference between beta-minus and beta-plus decay?

Back

Beta-minus decay involves the emission of an electron and an antineutrino, increasing the atomic number by 1, while beta-plus decay involves the emission of a positron and a neutrino, decreasing the atomic number by 1.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in radioactive decay?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay, providing a measure of the stability and rate of decay of a radioactive isotope.

Front

What is a positron?

Back

A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron, with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge, emitted during beta-plus decay.

Front

How does alpha decay affect the element's identity?

Back

Alpha decay changes the identity of the element by reducing its atomic number by 2, resulting in a different element.