Yr 9 Nuclear Chemistry

Which is NOT a reason that a nucleus might decay?

• too many neutrons (high neutron: proton ratio)

• nucleus is too big (mass number > 100)

• nucleus is too small

What type of decay has occurred?

• alpha decay

• beta decay

• gamma decay

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton. What is ejected from the nucleus in beta decay?

• an electron

• high energy electromagnetic radiation

• a helium nucleus

Which types of radiation result in transmutation (where the number of protons changes and therefore the identify of the element changes). Select all that apply.

• alpha decay

• beta decay

• gamma decay

Which element's nucleus is equivalent to an alpha particle?

• hydrogen

• helium

• boron

• carbon

How many protons does an alpha particle have?

(a)  

• alpha

• beta

• gamma

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• 
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What happens to the mass number of a nucleus undergoing alpha decay?

• increases by 4

• decreases by 4

• increases by 2

• decreases by 2