Radioactive Decay

Front

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 are the three main types of radioactive decay?

Back

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

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a mass number reduced by 4 and atomic number reduced by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted, increasing the atomic number by 1.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of gamma rays (high-energy photons) from an excited nucleus, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is a half-life?

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

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

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 nuclear fission?

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Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.