Unit 3 Exit Ticket #5: Alpha and Beta Decay

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a new element.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, transforming a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, emitted during alpha decay.

Front

How is an alpha particle represented in nuclear equations?

Back

As \( \text{ }^{4}_{2}\text{He} \) or \( \text{ }^{2}_{4}\text{He} \).

Front

What is emitted during beta radiation?

Back

An electron.

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta decay?

Back

Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, while beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle (electron or positron).

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

It decreases by 2.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

It increases by 1 if a beta minus particle is emitted, or decreases by 1 if a beta plus particle is emitted.

Front

What is the general form of a nuclear decay equation?

Back

\( \text{Parent Nucleus} \rightarrow \text{Daughter Nucleus} + \text{Radiation} \) (e.g., alpha or beta particle).

Front

What is the significance of the conservation of mass in nuclear reactions?

Back

The total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products, accounting for the mass of emitted particles.