CK-12-Physics-Concepts - Intermediate

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 22. The Nucleus

Practice

Questions

http://www.blinkx.com/#v/radiation-and-radioactive-decay/0aUbyGldrLGZk1SqSEP4QdQ

Follow up questions:

1. Why does the Geiger counter record clicks even when there is no radioactive source present?


2. What is the charge on an alpha particle?


3. What is the charge on a beta particle?

Review

Questions

1. Write the nuclear equation showing beta decay of a copper-64 nucleus.


2. Write the nuclear equation showing the alpha decay of a uranium-238 nucleus.


3. What element is formed by the beta decay of sodium-24?


4. What element is formed by the alpha decay of bismuth-211?
   
   
   • mass defect:The amount by which the mass of an atomic nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of its
     constituent particles.
   
   
   • binding energy:The net energy required to decompose a nucleus into its components.
   
   
   • nuclear disintegration (radioactive decay):Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic
     nucleus losses energy by emitting ionizing particles or radiation in an attempt to become stable.
   
   
   • gamma rays:A photon of penetrating electromagnetic radiation (gamma radiation) emitted from an atomic
     nucleus.
   
   
   • radioactivity:The spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus.
   
   
   • alpha particles: A positively charged particle, equivalent to a helium atom nucleus and consisting of two
     protons and two neutrons.
   
   
   • beta particles:High-speed electrons; specifically those emitted by a radioactive nucleus in beta decay.
   
   
   • transmutation:The transformation of one element into another by one or a series of nuclear reactions.