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 atom into a different element or isotope.

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 decrease in atomic mass and atomic number.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron, resulting in an increase in atomic number by 1.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is the emission of high-energy electromagnetic waves (gamma rays) from a nucleus in an excited state, without changing the atomic mass or atomic number.

Front

What is positron emission?

Back

Positron emission is a type of beta decay where a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) and a neutrino, resulting in a decrease in atomic number by 1.

Front

What is internal conversion?

Back

Internal conversion is a process where an excited nucleus transfers its energy to an orbital electron, causing the electron to be ejected from the atom, without emitting gamma radiation.

Front

What happens to the atomic mass number during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic mass number decreases by 4.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

During beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1.

Front

What type of decay occurs when a nuclide has too many protons?

Back

When a nuclide has too many protons, positron emission is likely to occur.

Front

What is the result of gamma decay on atomic structure?

Back

Gamma decay does not change the atomic mass or atomic number; it only releases energy.