Describe the process of alpha decay.

An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle ( $^4_2He$ ). The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

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Describe the process of alpha decay.

An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle ( $^4_2He$ ). The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

Describe the process of beta-minus decay.

A neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, emitting an electron ( $e^-$ ) and an antineutrino ( $\bar{v}$ ). The atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of beta-plus decay.

A proton in the nucleus transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron ( $e^+$ ) and a neutrino ( $v$ ). The atomic number decreases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of gamma decay.

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon ( $\gamma$ ). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

What happens to a neutron during beta-minus decay?

The neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino.

What happens to a proton during beta-plus decay?

The proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino.

What is the effect of alpha decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number decreases by 2.

What is the effect of beta-minus decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number increases by 1.

What is the effect of beta-plus decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number decreases by 1.

What is the effect of gamma decay on the atomic and mass numbers?

Both the atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

What causes a nucleus to undergo radioactive decay?

An unstable neutron-to-proton ratio within the nucleus.

What is the effect of emitting an alpha particle?

The nucleus becomes more stable, with a reduced mass and atomic number.

What is alpha decay?

A nucleus emits an alpha particle ( $^4_2He$ ), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

What is beta-minus decay?

A neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron ( $e^-$ ) and an antineutrino ( $\bar{v}$ ), increasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is beta-plus decay?

A proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron ( $e^+$ ) and a neutrino ( $v$ ), decreasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is gamma decay?

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon ( $\gamma$ ). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

Define alpha particle.

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus ( $He^{2+}$ ).

Define neutrino.

An electrically neutral particle with nearly zero mass, emitted in beta-plus decay.

All Flashcards

Describe the process of alpha decay.

An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle ( $^4_2He$ ). The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

Describe the process of beta-minus decay.

A neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, emitting an electron ( $e^-$ ) and an antineutrino ( $\bar{v}$ ). The atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of beta-plus decay.

A proton in the nucleus transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron ( $e^+$ ) and a neutrino ( $v$ ). The atomic number decreases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Describe the process of gamma decay.

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon ( $\gamma$ ). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

What happens to a neutron during beta-minus decay?

The neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino.

What happens to a proton during beta-plus decay?

The proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino.

What is the effect of alpha decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number decreases by 2.

What is the effect of beta-minus decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number increases by 1.

What is the effect of beta-plus decay on the atomic number?

The atomic number decreases by 1.

What is the effect of gamma decay on the atomic and mass numbers?

Both the atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

What causes a nucleus to undergo radioactive decay?

An unstable neutron-to-proton ratio within the nucleus.

What is the effect of emitting an alpha particle?

The nucleus becomes more stable, with a reduced mass and atomic number.

What is alpha decay?

A nucleus emits an alpha particle ( $^4_2He$ ), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

What is beta-minus decay?

A neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron ( $e^-$ ) and an antineutrino ( $\bar{v}$ ), increasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is beta-plus decay?

A proton transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron ( $e^+$ ) and a neutrino ( $v$ ), decreasing the atomic number by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is gamma decay?

An excited nucleus releases energy by emitting a gamma ray photon ( $\gamma$ ). The atomic number and mass number remain unchanged.

Define alpha particle.

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus ( $He^{2+}$ ).

Define neutrino.

An electrically neutral particle with nearly zero mass, emitted in beta-plus decay.