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 = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 83 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 238, Z = 95 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 244, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 = 215, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
5. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 213, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 83 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 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 = 225, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 223, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 228 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 = 228, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 = 210, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
226
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (83 + 1 = 84).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
93
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (238 − 4 = 234) and Z decreases by 2 (95 − 2 = 93).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
93
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).
5. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
83
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 213 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
222
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (226 − 4 = 222) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
96
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 242 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
84
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (83 + 1 = 84).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 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 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
223
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 223 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 228 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.
224
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (228 − 4 = 224) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 (210 − 4 = 206) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 83 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 238, Z = 95 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 244, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 = 215, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
5. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 213, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 226, Z = 83 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 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 = 225, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 223, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 228 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 = 228, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 = 210, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
226
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (83 + 1 = 84).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
93
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (238 − 4 = 234) and Z decreases by 2 (95 − 2 = 93).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 244 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
93
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 244 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).
5. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
83
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 213 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
222
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (226 − 4 = 222) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 95. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
96
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 242 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 and proton (atomic) number Z = 83. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
84
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 226 and Z increases by 1 (83 + 1 = 84).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 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 (225 − 4 = 221) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
223
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 223 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 228 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.
224
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (228 − 4 = 224) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 (210 − 4 = 206) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification