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 element 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 new element with a lower 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 (beta particle), increasing the atomic number by one.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus, characterized by high energy and high penetrating power.

Front

What is the equation for alpha decay of Astatine-209?

Back

\( _{85}^{209}At \rightarrow _{83}^{205}Bi + _{2}^{4}He \)

Front

What is the equation for beta decay of Carbon-14?

Back

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

Front

Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?

Back

Gamma radiation has the highest penetrating power and can penetrate several centimeters of lead or several meters of concrete.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta particles?

Back

Alpha particles consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, while beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons emitted during beta decay.

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation represents the decay of a radioactive isotope, showing the initial nucleus, the emitted particles, and the resulting nucleus.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2.