Nuclear Chem. alpha, beta and gamma

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What is a gamma ray?

Back

A gamma ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy and short wavelength, emitted during nuclear reactions.

Front

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Back

The symbol for an alpha particle is α.

Front

What is the symbol for a beta particle?

Back

The symbol for a beta particle is β.

Front

What is the symbol for a gamma ray?

Back

The symbol for a gamma ray is γ.

Front

What is a parent isotope?

Back

A parent isotope is the original unstable isotope that undergoes radioactive decay.

Front

What is a daughter isotope?

Back

A daughter isotope is the stable isotope that is produced as a result of radioactive decay of a parent isotope.

Front

What happens during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus, resulting in a decrease of the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

Front

What happens during beta decay?

Back

During beta decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle and increasing the atomic number by 1.