radioactive decay

Question 1

alpha decay

Answer 1

4
2 He

Question 2

beta decay

Answer 2

neutron converts to a proton and emits an electron

0
e
-1

Question 3

gama (y) decay

Answer 3

4 0
He + y
2 0

Question 4

positron emission

Answer 4

protons converted into neutrons

0
e
+1

Question 5

Radioactive Nuclides

Answer 5

• Every element with an atomic number > 83
• Some isotopes of elements with atomic number < 83

Question 6

radioactive nuclides characteristics

Answer 6

1 unstable
2 emits pieces of itself
3 spontaneously decomposes

Question 7

Penetrating Power

Answer 7

low to high
alpha
beta
gama

Question 8

ionizing power

Answer 8

ability of radioactive particles
to ionize other molecules

low to high
gama
beta
alpha

Question 9

posiitron emission

Answer 9

protons converted to neutorns

0
e
+1

Question 10

electorn capture

Answer 10

protons converted to neutrons

0
e
-1

Question 11

Why are some
nuclides stable and
others radioactive?

Answer 11

Atoms are made up of tiny particles called protons and neutrons in the center, called the nucleus. If there’s more than one proton (except for hydrogen), they push each other away, but a strong force holds the nucleus together. Neutrons also help to stabilize the nucleus. The balance between neutrons and protons, called the Neutron-to-Proton Ratio, is important for keeping the nucleus stable.

Question 12

Nuclei with “magic numbers”

Answer 12

2, 8, 20, 28, 50, or 82 protons, or
2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, or 126 neutrons tend to be more stable than
nuclides with a different number of nucleons