Writing and balancing nuclear decay equations

Overview

Recall questions on Writing and balancing nuclear decay equations.

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Explain what each part of the notation ᴬZX represents.

   Model answer

   A is the nucleon number, the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Z is the proton number and X is the chemical symbol of the element.

2. 2

   State the nature of an α particle and give its symbol in nuclear notation.

   Model answer

   An α particle is a helium-4 nucleus made of two protons and two neutrons, with a charge of +2e. It is written ⁴₂He or ⁴₂α.

3. 3

   State the nature of a β⁻ particle and give its symbol in nuclear notation.

   Model answer

   A β⁻ particle is a fast-moving electron created in and emitted from the nucleus, with a charge of −e. It is written ⁰₋₁e or ⁰₋₁β.

4. 4

   State the nature of γ radiation.

   Model answer

   γ radiation is a high-energy photon of electromagnetic radiation. It carries no charge and has no rest mass, so it changes neither the proton number nor the nucleon number.

5. 5

   How do the nucleon number and proton number change when a nucleus emits an α particle?

   Model answer

   The nucleon number falls by 4 and the proton number falls by 2, so the nucleus becomes an element two places lower in the periodic table.

6. 6

   How do the nucleon number and proton number change in β⁻ decay?

   Model answer

   The nucleon number is unchanged and the proton number increases by 1, so the nucleus becomes the next element up in the periodic table.

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