Nuclear Equations

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation represents the changes that occur during a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final nuclei and any emitted particles.

Front

What are the three main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

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

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

Ensure that the total number of protons and neutrons is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle has a positive charge due to its two protons.

Front

What is the charge of a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle can be negatively charged (electron) or positively charged (positron).

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in nuclear equations?

Back

The atomic number indicates the number of protons in the nucleus and determines the element's identity.

Front

What is the significance of the mass number in nuclear equations?

Back

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