P6.1.3 - Nuclear equations Flashcards
1
Q
What happens in alpha decay?
A
In a large nucleus containing large numbers of protons and neutrons, 2 protons and 2 neutrons can join to form an alpha particles which is emitted from the nucleus
2
Q
What happens in beta decay?
A
In beta decay a neutrons decay to a proton and an electron. The electron is emitted as a beta particle. The neutron number goes down by one but the proton number goes up by one
3
Q
What happens in gamma decay?
A
Gamma are electromagnetic waves meaning they have no mass or charge. When the nucleus emits a gamma ray the atomic number and mass number will stay the same
4
Q
What happens in neutron emission?
A
When some nuclei decay the produce nuclei with large numbers of neutrons. These can emit neutrons
