Nuclear Decay

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 nucleus into a different element or isotope.

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What are the three main types of nuclear decay?

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The three main types of nuclear decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

Front

What is alpha decay?

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Alpha decay is a type of nuclear 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 beta decay?

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Beta decay is a type of nuclear decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron (beta particle), which is emitted from the nucleus.

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What is gamma decay?

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Gamma decay is a type of nuclear decay that involves the emission of gamma rays (high-energy photons) from an excited nucleus, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

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An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, and is emitted during alpha decay. It is positively charged and can be stopped by a sheet of paper.

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What is a beta particle?

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A beta particle is an electron or positron emitted during beta decay. It has a negative charge (in the case of beta-minus decay) and can penetrate materials more than alpha particles.

Front

What is a gamma ray?

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A gamma ray is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during gamma decay. It has no mass or charge and can penetrate most materials, requiring dense substances like lead for shielding.

Front

Where are protons located in an atom?

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Protons are located inside the atomic nucleus, along with neutrons.

Front

What is the atomic nucleus?

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The atomic nucleus is the central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons, and is responsible for the atom's mass and positive charge.