Types of Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. The three main types of radioactive decay are:

1. Alpha Decay

  1. In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (a helium nucleus).
  2. The mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.
  3. Alpha particles have low penetration power and can be stopped by paper or human skin.
  4. Common in heavy elements like uranium and radium.
  5. Example: Uranium-238 → Thorium-234 + Alpha Particle.

2. Beta Decay

  1. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton and emits a beta particle (electron or positron).
  2. There are two types: Beta-minus (β⁻) and Beta-plus (β⁺).
  3. In β⁻ decay, an electron and an antineutrino are emitted.
  4. In β⁺ decay, a positron and a neutrino are emitted.
  5. The mass number remains the same, but the atomic number increases (β⁻) or decreases (β⁺) by 1.
  6. Beta particles have moderate penetration power and can be stopped by aluminum foil.
  7. Example: Carbon-14 → Nitrogen-14 + Beta Particle (β⁻).

3. Gamma Decay

  1. In gamma decay, the nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma rays (high-energy electromagnetic waves).
  2. There is no change in the mass number or atomic number.
  3. Gamma rays have high penetration power and can pass through several centimeters of lead or meters of concrete.
  4. Often accompanies alpha or beta decay to release the remaining energy.
  5. Example: Cobalt-60 → Nickel-60 + Gamma Radiation.

Key Characteristics of Radioactive Decay

  1. Radioactive decay is a random and spontaneous process.
  2. It follows the principle of half-life, the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay.
  3. The activity of a radioactive substance is measured in becquerels (Bq) or curies (Ci).
  4. Radioactive decay is used in dating techniques (e.g., Carbon-14 dating).

Applications

  1. Alpha decay is used in smoke detectors.
  2. Beta decay is applied in medical imaging and treatment (e.g., PET scans).
  3. Gamma radiation is used in cancer therapy and sterilization of medical equipment.
  4. Radioactive isotopes are used in nuclear power plants and scientific research.

Category

Questions

  1. What particle is emitted during alpha decay?
  2. What happens to the atomic number during beta-minus decay?
  3. What type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?
  4. During alpha decay, how does the mass number of a nucleus change?
  5. What particle is emitted during beta-minus decay?
  6. What is emitted during gamma decay?
  7. What is the charge of an alpha particle?
  8. What type of radiation is most likely to ionize matter?
  9. In beta-plus decay, what particle is emitted?
  10. How does the atomic number change in alpha decay?
  11. Which type of radioactive decay does not change the atomic number or mass number?
  12. What particle is emitted in beta-plus decay besides the positron?
  13. Which type of radioactive decay results in the emission of high-energy photons?
  14. What happens to the neutron-to-proton ratio during beta-minus decay?
  15. What is the primary shielding material used to block gamma radiation?
  16. During beta decay, what happens to the mass number of the nucleus?
  17. Which radioactive decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton?
  18. What is the approximate speed of alpha particles in a vacuum?
  19. What type of radioactive decay occurs when a nucleus has too many protons?
  20. What is the approximate penetration depth of alpha particles in air?
  21. Which radioactive decay process is purely electromagnetic?
  22. Which particle emitted during radioactive decay has the smallest mass?
  23. Which type of radioactive decay often follows alpha or beta decay?
  24. How does the emission of gamma rays affect the energy of the nucleus?
  25. What happens to the neutron in beta-minus decay?
  26. What is the effect of beta decay on the atomic mass of a nucleus?
  27. What is the nature of the radiation emitted during alpha decay?
  28. Which decay type results in a decrease in atomic mass?
  29. Which radioactive decay produces positrons?
  30. Which radioactive decay occurs when a nucleus has too many neutrons?
  31. Which type of decay can be stopped by a sheet of paper?
  32. What is the primary effect of gamma radiation on living tissues?
  33. In alpha decay, how many protons are lost from the nucleus?
  34. What is the speed of gamma rays?
  35. Which type of decay is utilized in medical imaging techniques like PET scans?
  36. What is the approximate relative mass of an alpha particle?
  37. What is the name of the phenomenon where a nucleus emits radiation to become more stable?
  38. How is the daughter nucleus different from the parent nucleus in alpha decay?
  39. What type of radiation is used in cancer treatment?
  40. Which radioactive decay leads to the emission of neutrinos?