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 a change in the number of protons and/or neutrons.

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

How many protons does titanium have?

Back

Titanium has 22 protons.

Front

What happens during beta decay?

Back

During beta decay, a nucleus gains a proton and loses a neutron.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta decay?

Back

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), while beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton with the emission of a beta particle (electron).

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an isotope of an element that is unstable and can undergo nuclear decay.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The half-life helps determine the age of materials and the rate at which a radioactive substance will decay.

Front

What is an example of a radioactive element?

Back

Uranium-238 is an example of a radioactive element.

Front

What is the process of nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.