Brainlag PlusWrite alpha and beta decay as equations, find the new nucleus from the mass and atomic numbers, and see why gamma and neutron emission change things differently.
The rule: both rows balance
In a nuclear equation the top numbers (mass numbers) add up to the same on both sides, and so do the bottom numbers (atomic numbers).
The radiation is written in the same style:
alpha particle: 42He beta particle: 0−1e neutron: 10n gamma: γ (no numbers)
There is nothing to learn by heart beyond these four symbols. No board gives a nuclear equation on its equation sheet.
The rest of this lesson and its 14 practice questions are in Plus.
Screen 1 of 6, free to read.
- 14 exam-style questions, marked as you go, each with a worked solution
- Anything you get wrong is saved to your flashcards