Explanation of Radioactive decays

Question 1

What is radioactive decay?

Answer 1

When a radioactive substance EMITS RADIATION to become more STABLE.

Question 2

What does alpha radiation consist of?

Answer 2

2 PROTONS AND 2 NEUTRONS

IDENTICAL to HELIUM NECLEUS

Question 3

What is its mass and charge?

Answer 3

MASS of 4
Charge of +2

Question 4

What is its affect to the nucleus?

Answer 4

REDUCE MASS by 4 and the ATOMIC NUMBER by 2.

Question 5

Write an equation for alpha emission:

Answer 5

228-Th-90 ==> 224-Ra-88 + 4-a-2

Question 6

What does Beta radiation consist of?

Answer 6

A NEUTRON from the NUCLEUS === PROTON + Electron/ Beta particle (instantly emitted)

Question 7

Mass and charge of B radiation?

Answer 7

MASS is 0
CHARGE is -1

Question 8

What is its affect on nucleus?

Answer 8

ATOMIC NUMBER INCREASES by 1
MASS NUMBER = NO CHANGE
CHARGE = +1

Question 9

Write the equation of beta equation:

Answer 9

40-K-19 ==> 40-Ca-20 + 0-B- -1

Question 10

gamma radiation:

Answer 10

NO CHANGE and an EM RADIATION
Often AFTER A/B Radiation

Question 11

NEUTRON EMISSION happens why

Answer 11

when A radiation COLLIDES with nucleus (UNSTABLE).

So MORE UNSTABLE

So EMITS a NEUTRON to become stable

UNCHARGED so HIGHER PENETRATION than A/B RADIATION