Nuclear Unit Review

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a decrease of the atomic number by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay where a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton and an electron, resulting in an increase of the atomic number by 1.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of energy in the form of gamma rays (photons) without changing the atomic number or mass number.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

The atomic number increases by 1.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

Why do some elements have half-lives?

Back

They radioactively decay.

Front

What particle is emitted during alpha decay?

Back

An alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What particle is emitted during beta decay?

Back

A beta particle, which is an electron.

Front

What particle is emitted during gamma decay?

Back

Energy in the form of a photon.