Radioactive decay

• What is the central part of an atom called?

  Nucleus
• What particles are contained in the nucleus of an atom?

  Protons and neutrons
• What is the plural of nucleus?

  Nuclei
• What is the relative charge of a neutron?

  0
• What is the relative mass of a neutron compared to a proton?

  1
• What is the relative charge of a proton?

  +1
• What is the relative mass of a proton?

  1
• How are stable elements near the top of the periodic table characterized in terms of neutrons and protons?

  They have the same number of neutrons and protons
• What is an example of a stable element and its composition?

  Carbon-12, which has six protons and six neutrons
• What happens to the stability of nuclei as the number of protons increases?

  More neutrons are needed to keep the nucleus stable
• What is an example of an unstable nucleus and its composition?

  Lead-206, which has 82 protons and 124 neutrons
• What is radioactive decay?

  The process in which unstable atomic nuclei break apart or change, releasing radiation
• What is radiation in the context of radioactive decay?

  Energy carried by particles from a radioactive substance
• What are the key components of a nucleus?

  • Protons: Positive charge, relative mass of 1
  • Neutrons: No charge, relative mass of 1
• What determines the stability of a nucleus?

  • A certain number of neutrons for the number of protons
  • Stable elements have equal numbers of neutrons and protons (e.g., Carbon-12)
  • As protons increase, more neutrons are needed for stability
• What is the relationship between unstable nuclei and radioactive decay?

  • Unstable nuclei will decay
  • Decay is a random process
  • Emission of radiation occurs during decay
• What types of particles are involved in radioactive decay?

  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma radiation