Radioactive Decay

Front

What happens during beta-particle emission?

Back

A neutron splits into a proton and an electron.

Front

What do radioactive materials have that makes them unstable?

Back

Unstable nuclei.

Front

What element is formed when an alpha particle is emitted from 243Am?

Back

Neptunium.

Front

What happens to the atomic number of an element during gamma decay?

Back

The atomic number remains the same.

Front

Solve this equation for alpha decay: 8_5^209At = ___ + 2_4^He

Back

83_205Bi.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

Back

Alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

Front

What is an alpha particle composed of?

Back

Two protons and two neutrons.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is transformed into a proton and an electron.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay that involves the release of gamma radiation without changing the atomic number or mass.