Nuclear Decay Practice Problems

Front

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Back

⁴₂He

Front

Gamma rays have a _____ charge.

Back

0

Front

Which type of nuclear radiation is being emitted here?

Back

Beta

Front

In the equation, ¹⁴₆C --> ¹⁴₇N + ?, the _______ decay of radioactive carbon-14 results in the creation of a new nitrogen-14 atom.

Back

Beta

Front

If Gadolinium-150 goes through alpha decay, the resulting element has a new atomic mass (mass number) of _____.

Back

146

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What are the three main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma radiation.

Front

What is an alpha particle composed of?

Back

2 protons and 2 neutrons (essentially a helium nucleus).

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.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.