Honors - Radioactive Decay

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that have no mass and are highly penetrating.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

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

Front

What type of nuclear radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta radiation is emitted during beta decay.

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

Back

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

Front

What does the 'Z' in a nuclear symbol represent?

Back

The 'Z' represents the atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus.

Front

What is alpha radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

How does beta decay occur?

Back

Beta decay occurs when a neutron in an atom's nucleus transforms into a proton and emits a beta particle (electron).

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta particles?

Back

Alpha particles are heavier and positively charged, while beta particles are lighter and negatively charged.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in radioactive dating?

Back

Half-life is used in radioactive dating to determine the age of materials by measuring the remaining radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an atom with an unstable nucleus that decays over time, emitting radiation.