Radioactive Decay

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What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the element into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is a beta particle?

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A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay, which occurs when a neutron in an unstable nucleus transforms into a proton.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

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Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus, characterized by high energy and no mass.

Front

What is the atomic number?

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

Front

What is the mass number?

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

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How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an isotope?

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To calculate the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass Number - Atomic Number.

Front

What is the decay series?

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The decay series is a sequence of radioactive decay processes that an unstable isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable isotope.

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What is half-life?

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

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What is transmutation in nuclear chemistry?

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Transmutation is the process of changing one element into another through nuclear reactions, such as radioactive decay.