Atomic Structure and Radioactive Decay Processes

What is the basic structure of an atom?

An atom is a sphere with a tiny core called the nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, while electrons move around it.

What does L.A.S.E.R. stand for?

Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

What is the duality of light?

Light exhibits both particle and wave properties.

What are isotopes?

Isotopes are two or more forms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different relative atomic masses but similar chemical properties.

What condition must be met for an atom to be stable?

For a stable atom, the number of protons must equal the number of neutrons.

What happens if the number of protons and neutrons differ in an atom?

If the numbers differ, the atom is unstable and may be radioactive.

What is radioactive decay?

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process where nuclei undergo a change by emitting particles or rays.

What occurs during alpha decay?

In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle (a helium-4 nucleus), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

What happens during beta minus decay?

In beta minus decay, a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron, which increases the atomic number by 1.

What occurs during beta plus decay?

In beta plus decay, a proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron, which decreases the atomic number by 1.

What is gamma decay?

In gamma decay, the nucleus releases excess energy in the form of high-energy photons (gamma rays) without changing the atomic number or mass number.

What is the half-life of a radioactive material?

The half-life is the time needed to reduce the mass of a radioactive sample to half of its original amount.

Is the half-life of a radioactive material constant?

Yes, a certain radioactive material has a constant half-life.

What is the significance of de Broglie's hypothesis?

De Broglie proposed that all moving objects, including particles, can be described as waves.

What is the relationship between protons and neutrons in a stable atom?

In a stable atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of neutrons.

What is emitted during alpha decay?

An alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.