Question

radioactive decay (aka transmutation)
name _____________ period_

1. define transmutation

1. why do some elements’ atoms decay?

1. define half - life

1. alpha decay

proton change
neutron change
atomic number change
mass number change

1. beta decay

proton change
neutron change
atomic number change
mass number change

1. gamma decay

proton change
neutron change
atomic number change
mass number change

1. during alpha decay what nucleons break free from the atom’s nucleus? ____________________

1. during beta decay ___________ is converted into _______________ & ____________

1. during gamma decay what happens to the overall energy of the nucleus? ____________________

identify the following nuclear decay equations as alpha, beta, or gamma.
1.
$ce{_{88}^{226}ra -> _{2}^{4}he + _{86}^{222}rn}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

2.
$ce{_{20}^{47}ca -> _{-1}^{0}e + _{21}^{47}sc}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

3.
$ce{_{84}^{214}po -> _{2}^{4}he + _{82}^{210}pb}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

4.
$ce{_{64}^{148}gd -> gamma + _{64}^{148}gd}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

5.
$ce{_{6}^{14}c -> _{-1}^{0}e + _{7}^{14}n}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

6.
$ce{_{64}^{148}gd -> _{2}^{4}he + _{62}^{144}sm}$
circle one: alpha beta gamma

Explanation:

Question 1: Define Transmutation

Transmutation is the process where one chemical element (or isotope) is converted into another chemical element (or a different isotope) through nuclear reactions (like radioactive decay) or nuclear bombardment. This involves changes in the atomic nucleus (protons/neutrons), altering the element’s identity.

Atoms decay (undergo radioactive decay) because their nuclei are unstable. Instability arises from an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons, or excess energy in the nucleus. To achieve stability, the nucleus emits particles (or energy) to adjust its proton-neutron ratio or energy state, following the laws of nuclear physics.

Half - life ($t_{1/2}$) is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to undergo radioactive decay. It is a characteristic property of a radioactive isotope, independent of the initial quantity (for first - order decay, which is typical for radioactive decay).

Answer:

Transmutation is the conversion of one chemical element (or isotope) into another via nuclear processes (decay or bombardment), changing the atomic nucleus.

Question 2: Why do some elements’ atoms decay?