Radioactive Decay Equations

The video tutorial explains radioactive decay, focusing on three types: alpha decay, beta minus decay, and beta plus decay. It describes how each type of decay affects the mass and atomic numbers of an atom and provides examples of how to balance the equations representing these processes. Alpha decay involves the loss of an alpha particle, reducing both mass and atomic numbers. Beta minus decay involves a neutron converting into a proton and an electron, increasing the atomic number. Beta plus decay involves a proton converting into a neutron and a positron, decreasing the atomic number. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of balancing equations to reflect these changes accurately.

What happens to the mass and atomic numbers of an atom during alpha decay?

• Mass number decreases by 4, atomic number decreases by 2

• Mass number decreases by 2, atomic number decreases by 4

• Mass number increases by 4, atomic number increases by 2

• Mass number stays the same, atomic number decreases by 2

In beta negative decay, what change occurs in the atomic structure?

• A neutron changes into a positron and a proton

• An electron changes into a proton and a neutron

• A neutron changes into a proton and an electron

• A proton changes into a neutron and a positron

During beta negative decay, what happens to the atomic number of the atom?

• It decreases by 1

• It increases by 1

• It remains the same

• It decreases by 2

What is emitted during beta positive decay?

• A beta particle

• A neutron

• A positron

• An alpha particle

In beta positive decay, how does the atomic number change?

• It decreases by 2

• It remains the same

• It decreases by 1

• It increases by 1