Starter quiz
- A nucleus of a fluorine atom can be represented as F. Match each type of particle to the number of them present in this nucleus.
- protons⇔9 ✓
- neutrons⇔10 ✓
- nucleons⇔19 ✓
- Which of these statements are correct when comparing two isotopes of the same element?
- They must have the same number of protons. ✓
- They must have the same number of neutrons.
- They must have the same number of nucleons.
- They can have different numbers of protons.
- They can have different numbers of neutrons. ✓
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- Which of these are isotopes of the same element? (The symbol of each element is not correct.)
- E ✓
- E
- E ✓
- E
- E
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- Where are the electrons located in the Bohr nuclear model of an atom?
- They are spread throughout a positive sponge.
- They are inside the nucleus bonded to protons.
- They are orbiting around the nucleus like planets.
- They are at specific distances from the nucleus. ✓
- They are moving freely between atoms.
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- Which force causes protons to repel each other inside the nucleus?
- strong nuclear force
- gravitational force
- electrostatic force ✓
- frictional force
- magnetic force
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- Which statements help explain why a small nucleus with a similar number of protons and neutrons is more stable than a small nucleus with more protons than neutrons?
- The protons produce a repulsive force on neutrons.
- The protons produce an attractive force on neutrons. ✓
- The protons produce an attractive force on other protons.
- The neutrons produce an attractive force on protons and neutrons. ✓
- The protons produce a repulsive for on other protons. ✓
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Exit quiz
- Match each keyword or phrase to the correct definition.
- alpha decay⇔the emission of a particle containing two protons and two neutrons ✓
- gamma radiation⇔electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus reducing its energy ✓
- beta–minus decay⇔the conversion of a neutron to a proton releasing an electron ✓
- nuclear decay equations⇔show the changes of particles during nuclear decay processes ✓
- Which of these symbols can be used to represent an alpha particle?
- He ✓
- He
- α ✓
- α
- β
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- Which of these shows the daughter nucleus formed by the alpha decay of thorium-232 (Th)?
- Th
- Ra
- Ra ✓
- Rn
- Th
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- Which of the following statements about decay by neutron emission are correct?
- The charge of the nucleus increases by 1.
- The charge of the nucleus decreases by 1.
- The charge of the nucleus remains unchanged. ✓
- The mass of the nucleus decreases. ✓
- The mass of the nucleus remains unchanged.
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- Which of the following equations correctly shows a beta minus β decay for radium-228 Ra?
- Ra -> Ac + β ✓
- Ra -> Fr + β
- Ra -> Ra + β
- Ra -> Fr + β
- Ra -> Rn + α
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- Which of the following equations correctly shows a beta plus β decay for carbon-10 C?
- C -> Be + α
- C -> B + β
- C -> N + β
- C -> B + β ✓
- C -> C + β
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- A nuclear equation shows the particles in a nuclear decay, including the electric charge and mass number of each one.
- An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, has a mass of 4 and charge of +2.
- The protons and neutrons in an alpha particle are held together very strongly.
- After an alpha or beta decay, a nucleus usually emits some gamma radiation.
- A beta particle is an electron emitted at a high speed from a nucleus, its mass is close to zero and charge of –1.
Common misconception
Pupils may not have a clear understanding of the forces acting between neutrons and protons in an atomic nucleus.
In simple terms, explain the reasons why some nuclei are unstable in terms of electrostatic repulsion, and include ideas about the strong nuclear force attracting protons and neutrons to each other.
Keywords
Alpha decay - the emission of a particle containing two protons and two neutrons from a nucleus
Gamma radiation - the emission of electromagnetic radiation from a nucleus that reduces its energy
Beta–minus decay - the conversion of a neutron to a proton with the emission of a high speed electron from a nucleus
Positron - a particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge
Nuclear decay equations - show the changes of particles during nuclear decay processes
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