Radioactive Decay

Question 1

Radioisotopes

Answer 1

Unstable, radioactive isotopes

Question 2

What makes radioisotopes unstable?

Answer 2

If they are too heavy, have a neutron to proton ratio that is too high, or too low

Question 3

Composition of alpha radiation

Answer 3

Alpha particles, which are helium nuclei

Question 4

Charge of alpha particles

Answer 4

+2

Question 5

How do you shield from alpha radiation?

Answer 5

Paper or clothes

Question 6

What is alpha radiation’s effect on the atomic number of an element?

Answer 6

Z-2

Question 7

What is alpha radiation’s effect on the mass number of an element?

Answer 7

A-4

Question 8

Composition of beta radiation

Answer 8

Beta particles, or electrons

Question 9

Charge of beta particles

Answer 9

-1

Question 10

How do you shield from beta radiation?

Answer 10

Metal foil

Question 11

Penetrating power of alpha radiation

Answer 11

Low

Question 12

Penetrating power of beta radiation

Answer 12

Moderate

Question 13

What is beta radiation’s effect on the atomic number of an element?

Answer 13

Z+1

Question 14

What is beta radiation’s effect on the mass number of an element?

Answer 14

A is unchanged

Question 15

Composition of gamma radiation

Answer 15

High energy electromagnetic radiation

Question 16

Charge of gamma particles

Answer 16

0

Question 17

Penetrating power of gamma radiation

Answer 17

High

Question 18

How do you shield from gamma radiation?

Answer 18

Lead or concrete

Question 19

Gamma radiation’s effect on the nucleus

Answer 19

Decreases energy