Particles and radiation

Question 1

What is alpha decay?

Answer 1

Alpha decay is where an alpha particle is released from the nucleus of an atom. It is strongly ionising and doesn’t penetrate far.

Question 2

what is beta decay?

Answer 2

Beta decay is where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom decays into a proton and an electron. The electron is shot out at high speeds but the proton stays in the nucleus and therefore the overall mass of the atom does not change the atom a new element because now has a atomic number of n+1

Question 3

What is gamma radiation?

Answer 3

Gamma radiation is normally emitted after alpha or beta decay to release energy

Question 4

What element represents an alpha particle?

Answer 4

Helium represents an alpha particle because it also is made up of two protons and two electrons

Question 5

What is the mass and charge of an alpha particle?

Answer 5

mass : 4
charge : 2+