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.

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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 = 225 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 = 225, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 230, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 244, Z = 91 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 213 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 213, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 222, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 212 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 212, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 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 = 244, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 225, Z = 84 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 86 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 232, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 104734 · 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 = 225 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 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
88
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (230 − 4 = 226) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
244
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (91 + 1 = 92).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 213 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
213
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 213 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
94
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 234 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
81
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 212 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
80
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (212 − 4 = 208) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 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.
244
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
225
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 225 and Z increases by 1 (84 + 1 = 85).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
94
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 233 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
84
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (86 − 2 = 84).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
89
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (232 − 4 = 228) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).

12 questions · Seed 104734 · 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 = 225 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 = 225, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 230, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 244, Z = 91 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 213 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 213, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 222, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 212 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 212, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 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 = 244, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 225, Z = 84 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 233, Z = 86 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 232, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 104734 · 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 = 225 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 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
88
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (230 − 4 = 226) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
244
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (91 + 1 = 92).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 213 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
213
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 213 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
94
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 234 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
81
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 212 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
80
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (212 − 4 = 208) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 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.
244
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 84. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
225
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 225 and Z increases by 1 (84 + 1 = 85).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
94
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 233 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 233 and proton (atomic) number Z = 86. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
84
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (86 − 2 = 84).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
89
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (232 − 4 = 228) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).

12 questions · Seed 104734 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification