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Radioactive Decay Worksheet

This document provides information about radioactive decay including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. It describes alpha decay as the emission of an alpha particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, reducing the atomic number by two and mass number by four. Beta decay involves the emission of an electron or positron, changing the atomic number by one but keeping the mass number the same. Gamma radiation involves the emission of high energy photons without changing atomic or mass numbers. The document includes practice problems to write nuclear equations for different types of radioactive decay.

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160 views2 pages

Radioactive Decay Worksheet

This document provides information about radioactive decay including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. It describes alpha decay as the emission of an alpha particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, reducing the atomic number by two and mass number by four. Beta decay involves the emission of an electron or positron, changing the atomic number by one but keeping the mass number the same. Gamma radiation involves the emission of high energy photons without changing atomic or mass numbers. The document includes practice problems to write nuclear equations for different types of radioactive decay.

Uploaded by

Vina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Period: _______

Radioactive Decay Practice Worksheet


1. Alpha Decay
Can be described by:
- The nucleus of an atom splits into two parts
- The alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus
- The nucleus that is left behind now has an atomic number reduced by 2 and its mass number reduced by 4.
(2 protons and 2 neutrons were emitted
- Write the symbol for an alpha particle using isotopic notation in the space to the right. 
222
Here is a typical alpha decay equation: Fill in the blank space. 88 Ra →+ 218
86 Rn

- Alpha radiation can be blocked by ______________________________________________________________

2. Beta Decay
Can be described by:
- The emission of an ____________________.
- Write the symbol for the particle here 

- The atomic number goes up by one and the mass number remains unchanged.
- A neutron inside the nucleus of an atom breaks down into a ________________ and an ________________
which is emitted.
Here is a typical beta decay equation: Fill in the blank space. 146C →+ 147 N

** Beta particles have less charge than alpha particles and much less mass. Consequently, beta particles are
more penetrating! While they cannot be stopped by a piece of paper they can be stopped by _______________

3. Gamma Radiation
Can be described by:
- The emission of _____________________ only.
- Gamma ray- a high energy photon emitted by a radioisotope; nuclei can emit gamma rays by themselves, or
the emission of energy can accompany the emission of an alpha or beta particle.
- Can the emission of a gamma ray change the atomic number or mass number of an element?
- Write the symbol for gamma radiation here 

** Gamma rays are extremely high energy and


can be very dangerous!
NOTE: The terms alpha, beta, and gamma radiation may also appear as alpha, beta, and gamma decay.

Additional Nuclear Reactions You will also be responsible for knowing the following nuclear reactions.
4. Positron Decay
Positron decay is the mirror image of beta decay and can be described by:
- The emission of a positron (a particle with the mass of an electron but a positive charge).
- Something inside the nucleus breaking down causing a proton to become a neutron.
- The atomic number goes down by one and the mass number remains unchanged.
- The symbol for a positron is: +10e

Here is a typical positron decay equation: Mg → 23 23 0


11 Na + 12 ¿ +1e ¿
Practice

Part I: Classify each of the following nuclear reactions by particle and type of radiation (decay or capture). e.g. alpha
decay
13
a. 7 N → −10e + 138O _______________________________________

238
b. 90 Th → +10e + 238
89 Ac _______________________________________

238
c. 90 Th → 42 He + 234
88 Ra _______________________________________

238
d. 90 Th → e+ −10¿ γ + 238
89 Ac ¿ _______________________________________

Part II: Complete the nuclear reaction equations below. Then classify them by particle and type (decay or capture).
212
1. 84 Po → 42 He +¿ ¿ classify: __________________________

142
2. 61 Pm →¿ classify: __________________________

218
3. 84 Po → −10 β +¿ ¿ classify: __________________________

4. 74 B →¿ classify: __________________________

22
5. 11 Na →¿ classify: __________________________

238
6. 92 U →¿ classify: __________________________ alpha and gamma decay

37
7. 18 Ar →¿ + +10e classify: __________________________

Part III:

1. Write the nuclear equation for the release of a beta particle by lead-210.

2. Write the nuclear equation for the positron decay by thorium-232.

3. Write the nuclear equation for the gamma decay of cerium-144.

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