Radioactive Decay

Question 0

Describe alfa-decay

Answer 0

Alfa-particles are ‘hot’ He^2+ particles. They are emitter from elements heavier that Bismuth (Z=83)
E.g. Radium and uranium
226/88Ra–>222/86Rn + alfa

Question 1

What is a radioisotope?

Answer 1

An unstable isotope, which can emit radiation

Question 2

Describe beta-decay

Answer 2

Beta(-): a neutron decays to a proton emitting beta(-) and antineutrino
n–>p(+) + beta(-) + v

Beta(+): a proton is converted to a neutron and a neutrino
p(+)–>n + beta(+) + v

The energy is randomly devided between the beta-particle and the (anti)neutrino

Beta-radiation is poly-energetic