Nuclear equations

• Nuclear equation


  Shows what's produced when a radioactive nucleus decays
• Alpha particle


  • Has 2 protons and 2 neutrons
  • Same as the nucleus of a helium atom
• Alpha decay


  1. Radioactive element decays and releases an alpha particle

  2. Produces a new element
• During alpha decay


  • The atomic number increases by 2
  • The mass number decreases by 4
• Beta decay


  A neutron changes to a proton and an electron is ejected from the nucleus
• During beta decay


  • The atomic number increases by 1
  • The mass number does not change
• In gamma decay, both the atomic number and mass number do not change
• You can find plenty of questions on nuclear equations in the revision workbook