ScienceAges 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Balance nucleon (mass) number A and proton (atomic) number Z across alpha (α) and beta-minus (β⁻) radioactive decay equations. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

New variation Try interactive challenge Browse templates

Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 248, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 219 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 219, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 248, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 224 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 224, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 225, Z = 89 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 90 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 231 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 231, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 227, Z = 86 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 222, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

12 questions · Seed 104732 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
248
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 248 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 219 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
82
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (219 − 4 = 215) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
248
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 248 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
237
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (241 − 4 = 237) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 224 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
220
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (224 − 4 = 220) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
87
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (89 − 2 = 87).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
91
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (90 + 1 = 91).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 231 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
231
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 231 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
87
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 227 and Z increases by 1 (86 + 1 = 87).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
83
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
241
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 241 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).

12 questions · Seed 104732 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 248, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 219 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 219, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 248, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 224 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 224, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 225, Z = 89 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 90 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 231 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 231, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 227, Z = 86 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 222, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

12 questions · Seed 104732 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
248
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 248 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 219 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
82
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (219 − 4 = 215) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 248 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
248
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 248 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
237
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (241 − 4 = 237) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 224 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
220
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (224 − 4 = 220) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
87
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (89 − 2 = 87).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
91
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (90 + 1 = 91).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 231 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
231
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 231 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
87
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 227 and Z increases by 1 (86 + 1 = 87).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
83
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
241
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 241 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).

12 questions · Seed 104732 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification