Types of Radiation Practice

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, without changing the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus.

Front

What happens to the element after gamma decay?

Back

The element remains the same, as gamma decay does not change the atomic number or mass number.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is an atom of an element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Front

What type of radiation can be stopped by paper?

Back

Alpha radiation can be stopped by paper.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

What is the symbol for an alpha particle?

Back

The symbol for an alpha particle is 2He or 4He.

Front

What is the result of alpha decay for Radium-226?

Back

The result of alpha decay for Radium-226 is Radon-222 (86Rn).

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in isotopes?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom and can vary in number among isotopes of the same element.

Front

What is the decay equation for alpha decay of Uranium-238?

Back

238U -> 234Th + 4He.