Alpha, Beta, & 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 an atomic number reduced by 2.

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, resulting in a change in 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 atomic number or mass number.

Front

What is the symbol for Alpha Radiation?

Back

The symbol for alpha radiation is 4/2 He.

Front

What is the symbol for Beta Radiation?

Back

The symbol for beta radiation is 0/-1 e.

Front

What is the symbol for Gamma Radiation?

Back

The symbol for gamma radiation is γ.

Front

Which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?

Back

Gamma radiation has the highest penetrating power among alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

Front

Which type of radiation has the lowest penetrating power?

Back

Alpha radiation has the lowest penetrating power.

Front

In the decay of Carbon-14, what type of decay occurs?

Back

The decay of Carbon-14 is a beta decay.

Front

What is the result of Alpha Decay on the atomic number?

Back

Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by 2.