Stable and Unstable Nuclei

Question 1

what are stable nuclei

Answer 1

nuclei that are less likely to eject particles

Question 2

why do nuclei decay

Answer 2

each time a particle is ejected, the nucleus moves into a lower energy state and in turn becomes more stable

Question 3

what is alpha decay

Answer 3

when an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle
2 protons and 2 neutrons

Question 4

what is the equation for alpha decay

Answer 4

4 - nucleon number
2 - proton number

Question 5

what is the parent and daughter nuclei in alpha decay

Answer 5

parent- unstable element
daughter - element as a result of the decay

Question 6

what is beta plus decay

Answer 6

where a proton changes into a neutron and a positron and electron neutrino

Question 7

what is emitted during beta plus decay

Answer 7

positron
electron neutrino

Question 8

what is the equation for beta plus decay

Answer 8

p -> n + (e+) + Ve

Question 9

what is a positron also known as

Answer 9

beta plus particle

Question 10

in beta plus decay what changes are made to the daughter nuclei

Answer 10

nucleon number = same
proton number = original -1

Question 11

why does beta plus decay happen

Answer 11

a consequence of the weak force

Question 12

what is beta minus decay

Answer 12

when a neutron decays into a proton and emits an electron and an electron antineutrino

Question 13

what is emitted during beta minus decay

Answer 13

electron
electron antineutrino

Question 14

what is the equation for beta minus decay

Answer 14

n -> p + e- + electron antineutrino

Question 15

why does beta minus decay occur

Answer 15

due to the weak force
where the exchange particle is the W- boson

Question 16

what is the exchange particle for beta minus decay

Answer 16

W- boson

Question 17

using quarks what happens in beta minus decay

Answer 17

a down quark changes into an up quark

Question 18

using quarks what happens in beta plus decay

Answer 18

an up quark turns into a down quark

Question 19

what is electron capture

Answer 19

a proton absorbs an electron, mainly from one of its inner shells and emitting an electron neutrino

Question 20

what does electron capture emit

Answer 20

electron neutrino

Question 21

what is the equation for electron capture

Answer 21

p + e- –> n + Ve

Question 22

what happen to the daughter nuclei in electron capture

Answer 22

the nucleon number stays the same
the proton number goes down by one

Question 23

why does electron capture take place

Answer 23

due to the weak force

Question 24

what is gamma decay

Answer 24

the nucleus emits a high energy photon, causing the nucleus to move into a lower-energy state

Question 25

what is emitted in gamma decay

Answer 25

gamma ray photon