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 the transformation of the nucleus.

Front

What are the main types of radioactive decay?

Back

The main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

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

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

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

Front

What happens to an element during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the element loses two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a new element that is two places to the left on the periodic table.

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 difference between an isotope and a different element?

Back

An isotope is a variant of an element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, while a different element has a different number of protons.

Front

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

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay, indicating the stability and rate of decay of the isotope.

Front

What is a decay chain?

Back

A decay chain is a series of decays that a radioactive isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable isotope.