Radioactive Decay

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Front

How many total protons and neutrons does an alpha particle have?

Back

4

Front

In alpha decay, which particle breaks off from an atom?

Back

Helium particle.

Front

What type of radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta radiation.

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.

Front

Solve this equation for beta decay: 6^14C = ___ + -1^0e

Back

7^14N.

Front

What happens to the atomic number of an atom during gamma decay?

Back

The atomic number does not change.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.