Nuclear Equations (Alpha and Beta Decay)

• What are nuclear equations used to represent?

  Radioactive decay
• What symbol represents an alpha particle?

  $^{4}_{2}He$
• What symbol represents a beta particle?

  $^{0}_{-1}e$
• What effect does the emission of nuclear radiation have on the nucleus?

  It may change the mass and/or charge
• What is the result of the alpha decay of radon?

  $^{219}_{86}radon \longrightarrow ^{215}_{84}polonium +$$^{4}_{2}He$
• How does alpha decay affect the mass and charge of the nucleus?

  Both mass and charge decrease
• What must be true about the mass and atomic numbers in a nuclear equation?

  They must balance on both sides
• What is the total mass number before and after alpha decay of radon?

  219
• What is the total atomic number before and after alpha decay of radon?

  86
• What is the effect of beta decay on the mass of the nucleus?

  No change in mass
• What is the effect of beta decay on the charge of the nucleus?

  Charge increases
• What effect does the emission of a gamma ray have on the nucleus?

  No change in mass or charge
• How does alpha decay differ from beta decay in terms of mass and charge changes?

  Alpha decay decreases both, beta increases charge