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 nucleus into a different element or isotope.

Front

What types of particles can an unstable nucleus emit?

Back

An unstable nucleus can emit alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and sometimes neutrons.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

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

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and energy, emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

How does a nucleus lose excess energy after emitting an alpha or beta particle?

Back

A nucleus may lose excess energy by releasing gamma radiation.

Front

What does it mean if most alpha particles travel straight through a material?

Back

It suggests that the atom is mostly empty space, as the alpha particles are not significantly deflected by the atomic structure.

Front

What observation indicates that the nucleus carries almost all of the atom's mass?

Back

The observation that most alpha particles travel straight through, while a few are deflected, indicates that the nucleus is dense and contains most of the atom's mass.

Front

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle has a positive charge due to its two protons.

Front

What is the charge of a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle can have a negative charge (electron) or a positive charge (positron) depending on the type of beta decay.