Nuclear Decay REVIEW

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

Nuclear 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 are the three main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

The three main types of nuclear radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What happens to the atomic mass during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic mass decreases by 4.

Front

What is an alpha particle composed of?

Back

An alpha particle is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus.

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

What is the effect of gamma radiation on atomic mass?

Back

Gamma radiation does not change the atomic mass or atomic number of an element.

Front

What is a parent isotope?

Back

A parent isotope is the original unstable isotope that undergoes decay to form a more stable daughter isotope.

Front

What is a daughter isotope?

Back

A daughter isotope is the product of the decay of a parent isotope, typically more stable than the parent.

Front

How is the identity of an element determined in nuclear decay?

Back

The identity of an element is determined by its atomic number, which is the bottom number in nuclear notation.

Front

What is the significance of the top number in nuclear notation?

Back

The top number in nuclear notation represents the mass number, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.