Investigating radiation and nuclear equations

Question 1

How to identify the type of radiation by its penetrating power

Answer 1

1) Alpha particles are blocked by skin, paper, or a few cm of air.
2) Beta particles are blocked by thin metal.
3) Gamma rays are blocked by thick lead or very thick concrete.

Question 2

Balancing nuclear equations

Answer 2

1) The overall charge and mass have to be the same after a nuclear reaction as they were before.
2) The charge on a nucleus or particle is equal to the atomic number.
3) Its mass is equal to the mass number.
4) The totals of the atomic and mass numbers have been the same on both sides of the equation.

Question 3

How does the composition of an element change during alpha-emission?

Answer 3

1) Mass number decreases by 4

2) Atomic number decreases by 2

Question 4

How does the composition of an element change during beta-emission?

Answer 4

1) Mass number stays the same

2) Atomic number increases by 1

Question 5

How does the composition of an element change during gamma-emission?

Answer 5

1) Mass number stays the same

2) Atomic number stays the same

Question 6

How does the composition of an element change during neutron-emission?

Answer 6

1) Mass number decreases by 1

2) Atomic number stays the same