Alpha beta decay

Question 1

Why does nuclear decay happen

Answer 1

many isotopes are unstable

Question 2

What happens for alpha decay

Answer 2

Parent nucleus decays and emits an alpha particle plus daughter nucleus

Question 3

In alpha decay equations what is shown

Answer 3

the parent atom –> daughter atom + helium

Question 4

What is the change in mass number daughter vs parent (alpha decay)

Answer 4

change is always 4

Question 5

What happens in beta decay

Answer 5

a neutron turns into a proton and an electron is also produced which is emitted

Question 6

In beta decay equations what happens

Answer 6

parent nucleus decays –> daughter atom and electron

Question 7

How does the mass number and atomic number change in beta decay for the daughter nucleus

Answer 7

mass number doesn’t change
atomic number increases by one for the new proton

Question 8

How is the beta particle represented using mass number and atomic number

Answer 8

mass number (top) = 0
atomic number (bottom) = -1