Balancing Nuclear Equations Flashcard

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a decrease in atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, emitted during alpha decay.

Front

How do you represent an alpha particle in nuclear equations?

Back

As \( \text{He}^{4}_{2} \) or simply as \( \alpha \).

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change in atomic number.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay.

Front

How do you represent a beta particle in nuclear equations?

Back

As \( \text{e}^{-} \) for electrons or \( \text{e}^{+} \) for positrons.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, without changing the atomic number or mass number.

Front

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

Back

Alpha decay involves the emission of alpha particles, beta decay involves the emission of beta particles, and gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

It decreases by 2.

Front

What happens to the mass number during alpha decay?

Back

It decreases by 4.