Types of Radioactive Decay

Question 1

Radioactive Decay

Answer 1

When an atom is unstable it undergoes radioactive decay. An atom will release energy so that it reaches a more stable state.

Question 2

Radioactive Decay

Answer 2

Sometimes decay occurs from an unstable atom, directly into a stable atom (eg. Carbon-14 decays into Nitrogen-14).

Types of decay: alpha, beta (positive and negative) and gamma.

Question 3

Radioactive Decay

Answer 3

Sometimes decay occurs from an unstable atom, directly into a stable atom (eg. Carbon-14 decays into Nitrogen-14).

Types of decay: alpha, beta (positive and negative) and gamma.

Question 4

Alpha Decay

Answer 4

In alpha decay, an alpha particle is ejected from the nucleus of the atom. An alpha particle is made of two neutrons and two protons (same as helium nucleus). You can represent it with the alpha symbol, or the alpha symbols.

Question 5

Beta positive Radiation

Answer 5

In beta positive decay, a beta positive particle (positron) is ejected from the nucleus of the atom. The beta positive particle is created when one of the protons in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, neutrino and a positron (electron with positive charge). A beta negative particle is an electron.