Nuclear Equations practice

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation represents a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final nuclei and particles involved in the reaction.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

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

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

To balance a nuclear equation, ensure that the total number of protons and neutrons is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in nuclear equations?

Back

The atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus, determining the element's identity and its position in the periodic table.

Front

What is the mass number in a nuclear equation?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus, used to identify isotopes.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Front

What is the role of a beta particle in nuclear reactions?

Back

A beta particle is emitted during beta decay, transforming a neutron into a proton or vice versa, thus changing the element.

Front

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

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.