Radioactive Decay Flashcards
Which type of decay does not change the identity of the element?
Gamma decay
What new element will be formed by alpha decay?
2 to the left on the periodic table
What new element will be formed by beta decay?
1 to the right on the periodic table
What new element will be formed by positron emission?
1 to the left on the periodic table
What new element will be formed by electron capture?
1 to the left on the periodic table
What new element will be formed by gamma decay?
No new element is formed
What occurs in alpha decay?
The loss of a helium atom from the nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons)
What occurs in beta decay?
Neutron decays to a proton and an electron. (Either electron is emitted, or positron is absorbed).
What are the two types of beta decay?
Positron emission and electron capture.
What occurs in positron emission?
A proton becomes a neutron, and a positron is emitted.
What occurs in electron capture?
An electron is captured, and a proton becomes a neutron.
What occurs in gamma decay?
An electron and a positron collide to form a high energy gamma ray.
