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Per:
Alpha, Beta and Gamma Decay Homework
Part 1: Alpha Decay
1. What is alpha decay? Describe alpha decay by describing the particle given off and how you
would determine the new stable element produced.
2. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of
231
Pa.
91
3. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of
149
Sm.
62
4. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of (Gd) Gadolinium-150.
5. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of (Md) Mendelevium-249.
Part 2: Beta Decay
6. What is beta decay? Describe beta decay by describing the particle given off and how you would
determine the new stable element produced.
7. Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of
146
Sm.
62
8. Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of
223
Fr
87
9. Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of (At) Astatine-198.
10. Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of (Pm) Promethium-165.
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Per:
Part 3: Gamma Decay
11. What is gamma decay? Describe gamma decay by describing what is given off and how you
would determine the new stable element produced.
12. Write the nuclear equation for the gamma decay of
120
Cs.
55
13. Write the nuclear equation for the gamma decay of
146
Sm.
62
14. Write the nuclear equation for the gamma decay of (Pm) Promethium-165
15. Write the nuclear equation for the gamma decay of (Md) Mendelevium-249.
Part 4: Combinations
16. Write the nuclear equation for the decay of
will need two reactions in total.
17. Write the nuclear equation for the decay of
You will two reactions in total.
152
Xe by alpha decay, following by beta decay. You
54
249
Md by beta decay followed by gamma decay.
101
120
Cs by alpha decay, followed by beta decay,
55
followed by gamma decay. You will need three reactions in total.
18. Write the nuclear equation for the decay of