3: Introduction to Radiation and Radioactivity

Question 1

The atom undergoing decay is called what?

Answer 1

Parent

Question 2

A transformed nuclide from a parent atom is called a what?

Answer 2

Decay product or progeny

Question 3

Radionuclides below the line of stability (i.e., atoms with too many neutrons) typically undergo what kind of decay?

Answer 3

Beta decay

Question 4

The decay products in beta decay are found _ (increase in Z) and to the _ (decrease in N) of the parent nuclide on the chart of nuclides.

Answer 4

Upwards, left

Question 5

Radionuclides above the line of stability (i.e., atoms with too many protons) usually undergo what kind of decay?

Answer 5

Electron capture or positron decay

Question 6

The decay products in electron capture or positron decay are found _ (decrease in Z) and to the _ (increase in N) of the parent on the chart of nuclides?

Answer 6

Down, right

Question 7

Radionuclides with atomic numbers greater than 83 often undergo what kind of decay?

Answer 7

Alpha decay

Question 8

The decay products of alpha emissions are found _ and to the _ (decrease in both proton and neutron number) of the parent on the chart of nuclides.

Answer 8

Down, left

Question 9

Beta decay involves the conversion of what?

Answer 9

Neutron to a proton

Question 10

In beta decay, what is ejected from the nucleus?

Answer 10

A beta particle and an antineutrino