radioactive decay Flashcards
What is radioactive decay?
The process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy and breaks apart, resulting in the emission of radiation.
Define radioisotope.
An isotope of an element that is radioactive.
What is a parent isotope?
The original radioactive material that undergoes decay.
What is a daughter isotope?
The stable product formed from the decay of a parent isotope.
What are the three types of radioactive decay?
Alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay.
Define alpha particle.
A positively charged particle emitted from the nucleus, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially the same as a helium atom.
What is the particle symbol for an alpha particle?
mass: 4 protons/charge 2 He or 4 2a.
What is a beta particle?
A negatively charged particle emitted from the nucleus, essentially an electron.
What is the particle symbol for a beta particle?
0 mass -1 charge β or e
What type of decay is characterized by the emission of alpha particles?
Alpha decay.
How do alpha particles compare to other radiation types in terms of mass?
Alpha particles are the most massive of the radiation types.
True or False: Alpha particles can penetrate materials easily.
False.
What can stop an alpha particle?
A single sheet of paper.
What is the charge of an alpha particle?
2+.
What is the ionization ability of alpha particles?
High ionization ability.
What is the charge of a beta particle?
Negatively charged.
Fill in the blank: Radioactive decay releases energy from the nucleus as _______.
radiation.
What happens to radioactive atoms as they release energy?
They often transform into different, more stable atoms.
What is the strong nuclear force responsible for?
Holding the positively charged particles of the nucleus together.
What is the mass assignment for beta particles?
Assigned a mass of zero due to their tiny size.
What is the defining characteristic of radioactivity compared to chemical reactions?
It can result in the formation of completely new isotopes.
