Radioactive Decay

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the element into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

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

Front

What is the mass number?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

What type of radiation is the least penetrating?

Back

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating type of radiation; it can be stopped by a sheet of paper.

Front

What type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Back

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating type of radiation; it can pass through most materials, including human tissue.

Front

What happens during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, resulting in a new element with a mass number reduced by 4 and an atomic number reduced by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) in the process.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between alpha and beta particles?

Back

Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons and are positively charged, while beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted from a decaying nucleus.