Question
Alpha, beta particles and gamma rays. How does the atomic number and atomic mass number change when a radioisotope decays to produce alpha beta or gamma radiation.
Answers
Dr Russ
Better of you gave an answer for us to comment on.
Lets sat we have the decay of
uranium (mass=235, atomic number=92)
to
thorium (mass=231, atomic number=90)
plus
He nucleus(mass=4, atomic number=2)
Note that the mass number (235=231+4) and atomic number balances (92=90+2)
So I think you can say what the changes are?
You can do the same with beta decay, but use
electron (mass=0 atomic number=-1)
Lets sat we have the decay of
uranium (mass=235, atomic number=92)
to
thorium (mass=231, atomic number=90)
plus
He nucleus(mass=4, atomic number=2)
Note that the mass number (235=231+4) and atomic number balances (92=90+2)
So I think you can say what the changes are?
You can do the same with beta decay, but use
electron (mass=0 atomic number=-1)