Radioactive Decay

Question 1

Which type of radioactive decay involves the release of a helium nucleus?

Answer 1

Alpha decay

Question 2

What happens during beta decay?

Answer 2

A neutron converts into a proton and emits an electron.

Question 3

Which decay process only releases energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons?

Answer 3

Gamma decay

Question 4

True of false

Alpha decay reduces the atomic number of the nucleus by 2.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

True if false

Beta particles are high-energy electromagnetic waves.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

True or false

Gamma rays have no charge or mass.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Define radioactive decay.

Answer 7

Radioactive decay is the spontaneous process by which unstable nuclei release energy or particles to become more stable. radioactive decay.

Question 8

What changes occur in the nucleus during alpha decay?

Answer 8

During alpha decay, the nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons, forming a helium nucleus.

Question 9

Describe the three types of radioactive decay: alpha, beta, and gamma decay.

Answer 9

• Alpha Decay: The nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons).
• Beta Decay: A neutron converts into a proton and emits an electron (beta particle).
• Gamma Decay: The nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma rays without changing its composition.