Understanding Alpha Decay

Why do atoms undergo radioactive decay?

• To gain more electrons

• To change their color

• To become more stable

• To increase their size

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is emitted during alpha decay?

• Two electrons and two protons

• Two neutrons and two electrons

• Two protons and two neutrons

• Two electrons and two neutrons

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

In isotope notation, what does the top number represent?

• Number of electrons

• Number of neutrons

• Mass number

• Atomic number

After uranium-233 undergoes alpha decay, what element does it become?

• Thorium

• Radium

• Lead

• Neptunium

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the atomic number of thorium?

• 88

• 90

• 92

• 94

If an element undergoes alpha decay and becomes proactinium, what was its original element?

• Uranium

• Thorium

• Radium

• Neptunium

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

During alpha decay, by how much does the mass number decrease?

• 6

• 8

• 4

• 2

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the abbreviation for atomic number in textbooks?

• Z

• A

• M

• N

What element is represented by the symbol 'Pb'?

• Lead

• Polonium

• Radium

• Thorium

In the shortcut method, what is the change in atomic number during alpha decay?

• Decreases by 1

• Decreases by 2

• Increases by 1

• Increases by 2

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8