Radioactive Decay Equations

The three main types of nuclear radiation are alpha, beta, and gamma. Which of the following lists these types of radiation from highest penetrating power to lowest penetrating power?

• alpha, gamma, beta

• beta, alpha, gamma

• beta, gamma, alpha

• gamma, beta, alpha

Which equation correctly represents the alpha decay of polonium-214?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

This equation shows the radioactive decay of thorium (Th). Which of the following particles is released in this reaction?

• alpha

• beta

• neutron

• gamma

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What particle completes this reaction?

• alpha particle
• beta particle
• gamma particle
• neutron

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Complete the nuclear equation and determine the type of decay that is occurring in this reaction. 

• alpha
• beta
• gamma
• none

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Solve this equation for alpha decay.
²⁰⁹₈₅At = ___ + ⁴₂He

• ²⁰⁵₈₃Bi
• ²⁰⁹₈₆Rn
• ²⁰⁷₈₁Tl
• ²⁰⁸₈₅At

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Solve this equation for beta decay.
⁶⁰₂₇Co = ___ + ⁰_-1e

• ⁵⁶₂₅Mn
• ⁶⁰₂₈Ni
• ⁵⁸₂₃V
• ⁵⁹₂₇Co

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

If we start off with element ⁵⁰₂₄X after an alpha decay we get another element Y that looks like

• ⁵⁰₂₂Y
• ⁴⁶₂₂Y
• ⁴⁸₂₀Y
• ⁵⁴₂₆Y

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is the missing isotope that will balance the following nuclear equation?
⁹₄Be  +  ¹₁H →  _____  +  ⁴₂He

• ¹⁰₅B
• ¹⁰₅Ne
• ⁶₃Li
• ⁶₃C

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Complete the nuclear reaction

• ⁴₂He

• ⁰_-1 e

• ⁰₀Y

• ¹⁷₈O

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8