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 an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, and is represented as \(\text{ }^{4}_{2}\text{He}\) in nuclear equations.

Front

How is the beta particle represented in nuclear equations?

Back

A beta particle is represented as \(\text{ }^{0}_{-1}\text{e}\) in nuclear equations.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom, represented as \(\text{ }^{0}_{0}\gamma\), and has no mass or charge.

Front

What is the nucleus?

Back

The nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons, and is where nuclear reactions occur.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, 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 neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted.

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

Back

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

Front

Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Back

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating type of nuclear radiation, capable of passing through most materials.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of mass and charge?

Back

Alpha particles have mass and a positive charge, beta particles have negligible mass and a negative charge, while gamma rays have no mass and no charge.