Balancing Nuclear Equations and half life

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

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

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy and short wavelength, emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom during radioactive decay.

Front

Define half-life.

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a different element or isotope.

Front

If the half-life of a substance is 10 years, how much of a 100 g sample remains after 30 years?

Back

12.5 g remains after 30 years (3 half-lives: 100g -> 50g -> 25g -> 12.5g).

Front

What is the half-life of uranium-232?

Back

The half-life of uranium-232 is 70 years.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a radioactive substance after a certain number of half-lives?

Back

Remaining amount = Initial amount × (1/2)^(number of half-lives).

Front

What is the product of alpha decay of 209/85At?

Back

The product is 205/83Bi.

Front

What is the product of beta decay of 60/27Co?

Back

The product is 60/28Ni.

Front

How many half-lives are needed for 10 g of uranium-232 to decay to 1.25 g?

Back

3 half-lives are needed.