Atomic Structure Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three main types of radioactive decay?
A
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
2
Q
What happens when alpha radiation is emitted?
A
2 protons and 2 neutrons exit the nucleus
3
Q
What happens when beta radiation is emitted
A
Neutron changes to a proton in the nucleus, extra electron is added to balance charge and an electron is ejected
4
Q
What happens when gamma radiation is emitted
A
Surplus energy from nucleus is ejected in waves
5
Q
Which radiation only travels a few cm in the air
A
Alpha
6
Q
Which radiation will travel a few m in the air
A
Beta
7
Q
Which radiation will travel great distances in the air
A
Gamma
