Nuclear Decay

Beta Decay

Neutron breaks in to Proton plus Electron which escapes from the nucleus.

Gamma Decay

The release of energy to create a more stable atom in a lower energy state.

Alpha Decay

The release of a 4/2 He and can pass thru paper

A) Charge of alpha decay

B) Effects of an alpha decay on atomic mass and number

A) positive and

B) atomic mass down by 4 atomic number down by 2

A) Charge of beta decay

B) Effects of an beta decay on atomic mass and number

A) negative and

B) atomic mass unchanged and atomic number up by 1

Ra-226 undergoes beta decay to make

Ac-226

Po-209 produces Pb-205 What type of decay is this?

Alpha

What decay results in a transmuted element with the same atomic mass and an increased atomic #?

Beta

Po -218 decays alpha to produce ?

Pb-214

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in their number of

Neutrons

Why does radioactive decay occur?

The nucleus is larger than the nuclear force can keep stable

Element Identity

Based on the number of Protons in the Nucleus of an Atom. The proton is the only subatomic particle you can use for this with 100% accuracy

Radiation

Matter or Energy that has been emitted from a radioactive nucleus. Alpha Particles, Beta Particles, and Gamma Rays are all forms of Radiation.

Isotopes

Different versions of atoms with the same element identify. The only difference between these versions of the same element is the amount of neutrons in the nucleus, this results in a different atomic mass.

Gamma Ray

Radiation in the form of the highest frequency and highest ENERGY wave. It has NO Mass, NO Charge, and nearly unstoppable except by very dense materials such as lead, or a couple feet thick of concrete.

Radioactive

An Atom that can actively radiate Particles/Energy via nuclear decay processes.

Nuclear Decay

When an unstable nucleus decays to a more stable form, during this process radiation is emitted (shot out).

Alpha Particle

Largest Mass and Charge, but the weakest form of radiation. Emitted from the nucleus as 2 protons and 2 neutrons, could also be referred to as a Helium Nucleus.

Beta Particle

a high-speed electron with a 1- charge that is emitted during radioactive decay. Yes, This Electron comes from the nucleus, and NO there are not electrons in the nucleus.