Nuclear Decay Practice Problems

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 is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, represented as ⁴₂He.

Front

What happens to the atomic mass during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic mass of the original element decreases by 4.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic number of the original element decreases by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

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

Front

What is the effect of beta decay on atomic mass?

Back

Beta decay does not change the atomic mass of the element, as a neutron is converted into a proton.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Front

What is the symbol for a beta particle?

Back

The symbol for a beta particle is ⁰_-1e.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in nuclear decay?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay, indicating the stability and rate of decay of a radioactive isotope.