Radioactive decay

• What type of particle is emitted in beta minus decay?

  Beta particle electron
• Why does beta minus decay occur in neutron-rich nuclei?

  To convert a neutron to a proton
• What happens to the atomic number (Z) during beta minus decay?

  Increases by 1
• What type of particle is emitted in beta plus decay?

  Positron
• Why does beta plus decay occur in proton-rich nuclei?

  To convert a proton to a neutron
• What happens to the atomic number (Z) during beta plus decay?

  Decreases by 1
• What is emitted during gamma decay?

  Gamma ray (photon)
• Why does gamma decay occur after alpha or beta decay?

  To release excess energy from the nucleus
• What is an alpha particle composed of?

  2 protons and 2 neutrons
• Why does alpha decay result in a new element?

  Because the atomic number changes
• What is the SI unit for radioactivity?

  Becquerel (Bq)
• What is the definition of half-life?

  Time for half of unstable atoms to decay
• Why is radioactive decay exponential?

  Because decay rate is proportional to remaining nuclei
• What is the definition of an isotope?

  Atoms of the same species with different neutron numbers
• What is the definition of ionization?

  Removal of an electron from an atom
• What is the relationship between Curie (Ci) and Becquerel (Bq)?

  1 Ci = 37 billion Bq
• Why can't we predict when a specific atom will decay?

  Because decay is a random process
• What is the primary difference between X-rays and gamma rays?

  Origin (X-rays from electrons, gamma rays from nucleus)

  
• What are the key characteristics of beta minus decay?

  • Occurs in neutron-rich nuclei
  • Emits a beta particle (electron)
  • Converts a neutron to a proton
  • Atomic number (Z) increases by 1
  • Mass number (A) remains unchanged
• What are the key characteristics of beta plus decay?

  • Occurs in proton-rich nuclei
  • Emits a positron (beta plus particle)
  • Converts a proton to a neutron
  • Atomic number (Z) decreases by 1
  • Mass number (A) remains unchanged
• What are the key characteristics of gamma decay?

  • Often follows alpha or beta decay
  • Emits a gamma ray (photon)
  • Releases excess energy from the nucleus
  • Does not change atomic or mass number
  • Can leave the nucleus in a metastable state

  
• What are the key characteristics of alpha decay?

  • Emits an alpha particle (2 protons + 2 neutrons)
  • Results in a new element
  • Atomic number (Z) decreases by 2
  • Mass number (A) decreases by 4
  • Common in heavy elements like uranium

  
• What are the key definitions related to radioactivity?

  • Ionization: Removal of an electron from an atom
  • Isotope: Atoms of the same species with different neutron numbers
  • Half-life: Time for half of unstable atoms to decay
  • Decay: Process by which unstable nuclei lose energy
  • Becquerel (Bq): SI unit for radioactivity (1 decay per second)
  • Curie (Ci): Older unit of radioactivity (1 Ci = 37 billion Bq)
• What is a metastable state in gamma decay?

  Nucleus stays excited and decays with a measurable half-life
• How is an exponential graph used in radioactive decay?

  To calculate the half-life of a material