Radioactivity and Electromagnetic Waves

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, giving it a mass of 4 and a charge of +2. It is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What type of radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta decay emits beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons.

Front

What is the effect of alpha decay on the atomic number of an element?

Back

During alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2.

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom, having no mass or charge.

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, beta radiation consists of beta particles (electrons or positrons), and gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay.

Front

How do X-rays differ from gamma rays?

Back

X-rays are produced by electronic transitions and are used in medical imaging, while gamma rays are emitted from nuclear reactions.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.

Front

What happens to the mass number during alpha decay?

Back

The mass number decreases by 4 during alpha decay.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in radioactivity?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay, indicating the stability of the isotope.