Half-Life _ GCSE Physics

The video tutorial explains radioactive decay, focusing on alpha and beta decay processes. It describes how elements transform during decay, introduces the concept of half-life, and explains how to use decay curves to measure it. The tutorial also covers nuclear equations for alpha and beta decay, detailing changes in atomic and mass numbers.

What happens to an atom when it undergoes radioactive decay?

• It becomes a different element.

• It remains the same element.

• It loses all its electrons.

• It gains additional protons.

How is the half-life of a radioactive substance determined?

• By measuring the time it takes for half the atoms to decay.

• By measuring the time it takes for all atoms to decay.

• By observing the color change of the substance.

• By counting the number of protons in the nucleus.

What is the change in mass number during alpha decay?

• It increases by 2.

• It increases by 4.

• It decreases by 4.

• It remains the same.

In beta decay, what happens to a neutron?

• It is absorbed by the nucleus.

• It changes into a proton.

• It changes into an electron.

• It remains unchanged.

What is the effect on the atomic number during beta decay?

• It decreases by 1.

• It decreases by 2.

• It increases by 1.

• It remains the same.