Radioactive decay
Core concepts and learning points for this section:
Syllabus Points
Core
- 5.2.3.1 Know that radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of α -particles or β -particles and/or γ -radiation and know that these changes are spontaneous and random
- 5.2.3.2 State that during α -decay or β -decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different element
Supplement
- 5.2.3.3 Know that isotopes of an element may be radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavy
- 5.2.3.4 Describe the effect of α -decay, β -decay and γ -emissions on the nucleus, including an increase in stability and a reduction in the number of excess neutrons; the following change in the nucleus occurs during β -emission neutron → proton + electron
- 5.2.3.5 Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α -particles, β -particles and γ -radiation