Half-life/Nuclear Decay Flashcard

Front

What is half-life?

Back

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A type of radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

A form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy and short wavelength emitted during nuclear decay.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a substance after n half-lives?

Back

Remaining amount = Initial amount × (1/2)^n.

Front

What is the remaining percentage of a parent isotope after 1 half-life?

Back

50%.

Front

What is the remaining percentage of a parent isotope after 2 half-lives?

Back

25%.

Front

What is the remaining percentage of a parent isotope after 3 half-lives?

Back

12.5%.

Front

What is the remaining percentage of a parent isotope after 4 half-lives?

Back

6.25%.