Radioactivity

Front

What is radioactivity?

Back

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.

Front

What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

Back

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

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, represented as \(^{4}_{2}He\).

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

What happens during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a new element with a mass number reduced by 4 and an atomic number reduced by 2.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

A half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.