ACP Unit 3.1 Nuclear

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a decrease of the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or a positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change in the atomic number by either increasing or decreasing it by 1.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

The atomic number increases by 1 when a beta particle is emitted.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic waves, without changing the atomic number or mass number.

Front

What type of radioactive decay is a wave of energy?

Back

Gamma decay.

Front

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

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system; however, in nuclear reactions, some mass is converted into energy.

Front

Why do the products of a nuclear reaction have less mass than the reactants?

Back

Some mass is converted into energy during the nuclear reaction.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an atom with an unstable nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the process.

Front

What is the most penetrating type of radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating type of radiation.