Radioactive Decay Version 2

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays without changing its atomic number or mass.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during gamma decay?

Back

The atomic number does not change during gamma decay.

Front

What is the result of the decay of ²²⁰₈₇Fr?

Back

The decay results in ²¹⁶₈₅At and a helium nucleus ⁴₂He.

Front

What are radioactive materials characterized by?

Back

Radioactive materials are characterized by unstable nuclei.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a decrease of 2 in atomic number and 4 in mass.

Front

What happens to an atom's mass during alpha decay?

Back

The atom's mass decreases by 4 during alpha decay.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.

Front

What is the effect of beta negative decay on atomic number?

Back

In beta negative decay, the atomic number increases by 1.

Front

What is electron capture?

Back

Electron capture is a process where an electron is captured by the nucleus, converting a proton into a neutron and decreasing the atomic number by 1.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta decay?

Back

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, while beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (electron or positron).