Alpha Decay and Isotope Stability

The video tutorial covers nuclear decay, focusing on determining the stability of isotopes based on the proton-to-neutron ratio. It begins with an analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes, identifying the most stable forms. The tutorial then shifts to alpha decay, explaining how to draw alpha particle symbols and perform calculations to determine the resulting isotopes after decay. The video provides a step-by-step guide to understanding these nuclear processes using examples and periodic table references.

What is the most stable isotope of carbon based on the proton to neutron ratio?

• Carbon-15

• Carbon-12

• Carbon-13

• Carbon-14

Which oxygen isotope is the most stable based on its proton to neutron ratio?

• Oxygen-12

• Oxygen-14

• Oxygen-16

• Oxygen-17

What is one way to represent an alpha particle in nuclear equations?

• As a lithium nucleus with mass number 7 and atomic number 3

• As a hydrogen nucleus with mass number 1 and atomic number 1

• As a helium nucleus with mass number 4 and atomic number 2

• As a beryllium nucleus with mass number 9 and atomic number 4

When platinum-199 undergoes alpha decay, what is the resulting element?

• Osmium-195

• Tungsten-195

• Iridium-195

• Rhenium-195

What is the atomic number of tungsten, the element formed when osmium-191 undergoes alpha decay?

• 74

• 76

• 78

• 72

What is the resulting element when promethium-149 undergoes alpha decay?

• Europium-145

• Neodymium-145

• Praseodymium-145

• Samarium-145

Which element is formed when polonium-211 undergoes alpha decay?

• Bismuth-207

• Thallium-207

• Mercury-207

• Lead-207

What is the atomic number of arsenic, the element formed when bromine-80 undergoes alpha decay?

• 34

• 33

• 32

• 31

Which isotope is formed when bromine-80 undergoes alpha decay?

• Germanium-76

• Selenium-76

• Gallium-76

• Arsenic-76

What is the mass number of the alpha particle emitted during alpha decay?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4