Nuclear Reactions

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, resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the equation for alpha decay of an element?

Back

The general equation for alpha decay can be represented as: \( _{Z}^{A}X \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + _{2}^{4}He \), where X is the parent nucleus, Y is the daughter nucleus, and He is the emitted alpha particle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

Back

The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the half-life of mercury-203?

Back

The half-life of mercury-203 is 50 days.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the product of the alpha decay of Gold-175?

Back

The product of the alpha decay of Gold-175 is Iridium-171 (Ir-171).

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is emitted during alpha decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle has a charge of +2.

Front

What is the mass of an alpha particle?

Back

The mass of an alpha particle is approximately 4 atomic mass units (amu).

Front

Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?

Back

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating form of radiation.

Front

How can alpha particles be stopped?

Back

Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.