Question

Match each Radioactive Decay type (alpha decay, beta minus decay, beta plus decay, gamma decay) to its equation below:
26.

27.

28.

Answer 1

Sure! Here are the radioactive decay types matched with their corresponding equations:

1. **Alpha Decay**: This process involves the nucleus emitting an alpha particle (\( ^4_2He \)), which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The general equation can be represented as:
\[
_Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4} Y + _2^4 He
\]
Example:
\[
_{92}^{238} U \rightarrow _{90}^{234} Th + _2^{4} He
\]

2. **Beta Minus Decay**: In this decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron (beta particle) is emitted, along with an antineutrino. The equation is:
\[
_Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A} Y + e^- + \bar{\nu}
\]
Example:
\[
_{6}^{14} C \rightarrow _{7}^{14} N + e^- + \bar{\nu}
\]

3. **Beta Plus Decay**: Here, a proton is converted into a neutron, and a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) is emitted, along with a neutrino. The equation is:
\[
_Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z-1}^{A} Y + e^+ + \nu
\]
Example:
\[
_{11}^{22} Na \rightarrow _{10}^{22} Ne + e^+ + \nu
\]

4. **Gamma Decay**: This decay involves the emission of gamma radiation (\(\gamma\)), which is high-energy electromagnetic radiation, from an excited state of a nucleus. The general equation is:
\[
_Z^A X^* \rightarrow _Z^A X + \gamma
\]
Example:
\[
_{55}^{133} Cs^* \rightarrow _{55}^{133} Cs + \gamma
\]

If you have specific equations for each of these decay types that you need matched, feel free to share them!