Understanding Alpha Decay

The video tutorial explains alpha decay, a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atom releases two protons and two neutrons, forming an alpha particle. It covers the process of alpha decay, how to write chemical equations for it, and provides example problems. The tutorial also discusses the rules and shortcuts for solving alpha decay problems, emphasizing the changes in mass and atomic numbers.

Why do atoms undergo radioactive decay?

• To change their chemical properties

• To decrease their mass

• To become more stable

• To increase their atomic number

In isotope notation, what does the top number represent?

• Number of protons

• Number of neutrons

• Atomic number

• Mass number

What happens to the atomic number of an element after alpha decay?

• It decreases by 2

• It increases by 2

• It remains the same

• It decreases by 4

Which element does uranium-233 become after alpha decay?

• Thorium

• Radium

• Neptunium

• Lead

What is the atomic number of proactinium?

• 90

• 91

• 93

• 92

What is the mass number change during alpha decay?

• Decreases by 4

• Increases by 4

• Decreases by 2

• Increases by 2

Which element is represented by the symbol 'NP'?

• Neptunium

• Proactinium

• Thorium

• Radium

What is the atomic number of lead?

• 84

• 80

• 82

• 86

What is the symbol for radium?

• RM

• RD

• RA

• RN

What is conserved during alpha decay?

• Only neutrons

• Only protons

• Both protons and neutrons

• Neither protons nor neutrons