Nuclear Equations

Question 1

Alpha Particles:

Answer 1

• 2 electrons and protons.
• ## Same as the nucleus of a hellium atom.

Question 2

What happens during alpha decay?

Answer 2

• Atomic number (protons and electrons) reduces by 2.
• ## Mass number decreases by 4.

Question 3

What is a beta particle?

Answer 3

• Neutron changes to a proton and electron.
• Electron is ejected from the nucleus.
• Beta particle.
• Atomic number= -1
• Mass number- 0

Question 4

What is beta decay?

Answer 4

• Atomic number (protons) increases by 1.
• ## Mass Number does not change.

Question 5

What happens in gamma decay?

Answer 5

• Both the atomic number and mass number are not changed at all.