Nuclear Decay

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What is nuclear decay?

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Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the nucleus into a different element or isotope.

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What is alpha decay?

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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 a beta particle?

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A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus.

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Alpha decay.

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What is gamma radiation?

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Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, characterized by high energy and no mass.

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What is the difference between alpha and beta particles?

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Alpha particles consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, while beta particles are electrons or positrons emitted from a nucleus.

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What can stop alpha particles?

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Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.

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What can stop beta particles?

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Beta particles can be stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or a sheet of aluminum.

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

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

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What is a radioactive isotope?

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A radioactive isotope is an atom with an unstable nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation and transforming into a different element or isotope.