Types of Radioactive Decay

Front

What is Alpha Decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

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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, transforming a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is a Half-Life?

Back

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

Front

What is the remaining percentage of a parent isotope after 2 Half-Lives?

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25% of the parent isotope remains after 2 half-lives.

Front

What is the equation for Alpha Decay of Carbon-14?

Back

@@^{14}_{6}C \rightarrow ^{4}_{2}He + ^{10}_{4}Be$$

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What is the equation for Beta Decay of Carbon-14?

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@@^{14}_{6}C \rightarrow ^{14}_{7}N + ^{0}_{-1}e$$

Front

What is the difference between Alpha and Beta Decay?

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Alpha decay involves the emission of alpha particles, while beta decay involves the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons).

Front

What happens to the atomic number during Alpha Decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2 during alpha decay.

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What happens to the atomic number during Beta Decay?

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The atomic number increases by 1 during beta decay.

Front

What is an example of an isotope that undergoes Alpha Decay?

Back

Uranium-238 is an example of an isotope that undergoes alpha decay.