Chemical Equations - Chemical Quantities

Question 1

How are nuclear equations normally written? (They show radioactive decay)

Answer 1

Nucleus before decay -> nucleus after decay +radiation emitted

Question 2

What is alpha decay?
What is alpha particles expressed as and what is it?

Answer 2

Alpha decay is when an alpha particle is emitted from a radioactive nucleus.
An alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons. It is the same as a helium nucleus.
When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, its atomic number goes down by 2, mass number goes down by 4.
Charge of nucleus decreases when it gives out an alpha particle.

4
2 He

Question 4

What is beta decay?
What is a beta particle and what is it expressed as?

Answer 4

Beta decay is when a beta particle is emitted from a radioactive nucleus.
During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton.
This means the nucleus has one more proton so the atomic number goes up by one.
It also means the positive charge of the nucleus increases.
A beta particle has an atomic number of -1. so the atomic numbers balance on each side of the equation.
Protons and neutrons have the same mass, so the mass of the nucleus doesn’t change.
A beta particle is an electron.

Written as
0
-1 e

Question 5

Does gamma rays change the charge or mass of a nucleus?

Answer 5

No.
Gamma rays are a way of getting rid of extra energy from a nucleus.
When they’re emitted, they don’t change mass or charge of atom or nucleus.