Radioactive Isotopes

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an atom of an element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays.

Front

How do you determine the number of neutrons in an isotope?

Back

Subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).

Front

What is the atomic notation for isotopes?

Back

The atomic notation is represented as \( _{Z}^{A}X \), where \( A \) is the mass number, \( Z \) is the atomic number, and \( X \) is the chemical symbol.

Front

What type of radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta decay emits beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

How many protons does the isotope \( _{36}^{89}Kr \) have?

Back

36 protons.

Front

What is the result of alpha decay of \( _{86}^{209}Rn \)?

Back

The result is \( _{84}^{205}Po \) and an alpha particle.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in isotopes?

Back

The atomic number determines the element and the number of protons in the nucleus.

Front

What happens to the mass number during beta decay?

Back

The mass number remains the same during beta decay.