Radioactive Decay and Interactions

Question 1

Excited state energy

Answer 1

An excited state refers to a condition of an atom or molecule in which its energy is higher than the ground state. The ground state is the lowest energy state of the atom. When an atom absorbs energy, its electrons jump from a lower energy level to a higher one, resulting in an excited state

Question 1

Define ground state energy

Answer 1

The normal energy level of an atom when it is electrically neutral and not
influenced by any outside energy inputs.

Question 2

Ion

Answer 2

an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons

Question 3

Ionization

Answer 3

convert (an atom, molecule, or substance) into an ion or ions, typically by removing one or more electrons

Question 4

Gamma ray

Answer 4

A gamma ray (symbol γ) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength and highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. It arises from high-energy interactions, such as the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei and astronomical events like supernova explosions and solar flares. Gamma rays are significant in fields like nuclear physics, astrophysics, and medical science due to their unique properties and diverse applications

Question 5

x-ray

Question 6

Radioactive Decay

Question 7

Decay Chain

Question 8

Spontaneous fission

Question 9

Half-life

Question 10

The radioactive decay of a parent nuclide always results in a stable daughter nuclide. True or False?

Answer 10

False

Question 11

Explain Alpha decay

Answer 11

A parent radionuclide changes to a daughter nuclide, emits an alpha particle and energy which may be in the form of kinetic energy and gamma emission.

Question 12

What are the differences between the number of nucleons in a parent nucleus and daughter nucleus after alpha decay?

Answer 12

The daughter nucleus of alpha decay has two neutrons and two protons less than the parent nucleus.

Question 13

Describe beta minus decay

Answer 13

The most common beta decay in a nuclear reactor, the atomic number of a beta minus decay daughter nuclide is one higher than the parent nuclide and the atomic mass is the same.

Question 14

Describe beta positive decay

Answer 14

The atomic number decreases and the atomic mass remains the same

Question 15

What is electron capture?

Answer 15

A decay process that occurs after a nucleus captures one of its own orbital electrons. Also known as K Capture. The captured electron neutralizes a proton and transforms it into a neutron.