nuclear equations Flashcards
1
Q
what does an alpha particle consist of?
A
2 protons and 2 electrons
2
Q
during alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by what?
A
during alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by 2
3
Q
during alpha decay the mass number decreases by what?
A
during alpha decay, the mass number decreases by 4
4
Q
in beta decay, what happens?
A
a neutron changes to a proton and an electron, the electron is ejected from the nucleus, we call that a beta particle
5
Q
in beta decay what happens to the atomic number and mass number?
A
the atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number does not change
6
Q
in gamma decay, what happens to the mass number and atomic number?
A
both atomic and mass number do not change
