Radioactive decay Flashcards
1
Q
Unstable means
A
Likely to decay or emit radiation
2
Q
Energy is lost through….
A
radioactive decay
3
Q
Radioisotopes
A
Isotopes capable of readioactive decay
4
Q
Alpha equation (example)
A
Uranium 235, 92 —-> Thorium 231, 90 + Helium 4, 2
5
Q
Beta equation (example)
A
Iodine 131, 53 ——> Xenon 131, 54 + e (electron, symbol can also be “B”) 0, -1
6
Q
Gamma equation (example)
A
Potassium* 42, 19 ——-> Potassium 42, 19 + Y 0, 0
- = excess radiation
7
Q
In an equation, what is the top number and bottom number?
A
Top number is the mass number
Bottom is number of protons (atomic number)
