Short Q/A Radioactivity - Students Free Notes

How long will a radioactive element take to decay completely?

A radioactive element never decays completely, but after about 10 half-lives, the remaining fraction becomes negligible (less than 0.1% of the original amount). Related Questions: What fraction of a radioactive element will be left after 4 half-lives have elapsed? What is common in isotopes of an element and what is different in them? It happens … Read more

When a uranium nucleus absorbs a slow neutron, it subsequently emits two α-particles. What is the resulting element?

When a uranium nucleus (typically uranium-235) absorbs a slow neutron, it undergoes fission, a process in which the nucleus splits into smaller fragments. One of the typical reactions involves uranium-235 absorbing a neutron and then splitting into several lighter nuclei, along with the emission of neutrons and radiation. However, in this specific scenario where uranium … Read more

What fraction of a radioactive element will be left after 4 half-lives have elapsed?

The fraction of a radioactive element left after nnn half-lives can be found using the formula: Fraction remaining=(1/2)n For n=4 half-lives: Fraction remaining=(1/2)4=1/16\​ So, after 4 half-lives, 1/16 of the original amount of the radioactive element will remain. Related Questions: How long will a radioactive element take to decay completely? What is common in isotopes of … Read more

Why is the ionization power of α-particles greater than β-particles in solids with the same energy?

α-particles have a larger mass and charge (+2), causing strong interactions with electrons in solids. This leads to more frequent ionization compared to β-particles, which are smaller and have a single negative charge (-1). Related Questions: What is common in isotopes of an element and what is different in them? It happens that a nuclear … Read more

Why is the range of β-particles greater than α-particles in air with the same energy?

β-particles are smaller and lighter than α-particles, allowing them to travel further in air. α-particles are larger and interact more frequently with air molecules, losing energy quickly and having a shorter range. Related Questions: What is common in isotopes of an element and what is different in them? It happens that a nuclear radiation emits … Read more

β-particle is emitted from the neutron of the nucleus. Write the nuclear equation for this reaction.

When a beta (β) particle is emitted from the neutron of a nucleus, the process involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, and a beta particle (an electron) is emitted. This type of decay is known as beta decay. The nuclear equation for this reaction is: n → p+β− Where: n represents the … Read more

Why do nuclei of atoms with atomic numbers greater than 82 emit radiation?

Atoms with atomic numbers greater than 82 have unstable nuclei due to excessive protons, causing strong repulsion. To attain stability, these nuclei emit radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma rays. Related Questions: What is common in isotopes of an element and what is different in them? It happens that a nuclear radiation … Read more

It happens that a nuclear radiation emits from an atom of an element, and it moves one step ahead in the periodic table. Explain.

When a β-particle (electron) is emitted, a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one. This results in the formation of a new element that is one step ahead in the periodic table. Related Questions: What is common in isotopes of an element and what is different in them? … Read more