Nuclear Equations Flashcards
1
Q
What happens when a nucleus emits an alpha particle?
A
The nucleus loses two protons and two neutrons, so:
- Mass number decreases by 4
- Atomic number decreases by 2
2
Q
What happens in beta-minus decay?
A
A neutron changes into a proton and an electron, so:
- Mass number doesn’t change
- Atomic number increases by 1
3
Q
What happens in beta-plus decay?
A
A proton changes into a neutron and a positron, so:
- Mass number doesn’t change
- Atomic number decreases by 1
4
Q
What happens when a nucleus emits a neutron?
A
- Mass number decreases by 1
- Atomic number stays the same
5
Q
What happens to the mass and atomic numbers after a gamma ray has been emitted?
A
They both stay the same
6
Q
(Exam-style question)
A
7
Q
(Exam-style question)
A
