Radioactive decay

Question 1

Unstable means

Answer 1

Likely to decay or emit radiation

Question 2

Energy is lost through….

Answer 2

radioactive decay

Question 3

Radioisotopes

Answer 3

Isotopes capable of readioactive decay

Question 4

Alpha equation (example)

Answer 4

Uranium 235, 92 —-> Thorium 231, 90 + Helium 4, 2

Question 5

Beta equation (example)

Answer 5

Iodine 131, 53 ——> Xenon 131, 54 + e (electron, symbol can also be “B”) 0, -1

Question 6

Gamma equation (example)

Answer 6

Potassium* 42, 19 ——-> Potassium 42, 19 + Y 0, 0

• = excess radiation

Question 7

In an equation, what is the top number and bottom number?

Answer 7

Top number is the mass number
Bottom is number of protons (atomic number)