4 Balancing Nuclear Equations

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 a lower atomic number.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of subatomic particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus.

Front

How does alpha decay affect the atomic number of an element?

Back

Alpha decay decreases the atomic number of an element by 2.

Front

How does alpha decay affect the mass number of an element?

Back

Alpha decay decreases the mass number of an element by 4.

Front

What is the general form of an alpha decay equation?

Back

The general form is: \( _{Z}^{A}X \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + _{2}^{4}He \)

Front

Given the equation: \( _{209}^{85}At \rightarrow ? + _{2}^{4}He \), what is the missing element?

Back

The missing element is \( _{205}^{83}Bi \).

Front

If an element \( _{50}^{24}X \) undergoes alpha decay, what is the resulting element?

Back

The resulting element is \( _{46}^{22}Y \).

Front

Given the equation: \( _{226}^{88}Ra \rightarrow ? + _{2}^{4}He \), what is the missing element?

Back

The missing element is \( _{222}^{86}Rn \).

Front

What is the missing isotope in the equation: \( _{9}^{4}Be + _{1}^{1}H \rightarrow ? + _{2}^{4}He \)?

Back

The missing isotope is \( _{6}^{3}Li \).

Front

What type of decay occurs when an element emits an alpha particle?

Back

Alpha decay.