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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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Age band:Ages 13-15Ages 16-18

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 214 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 214, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  2. 2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 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 = 226, Z = 86 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  3. 3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 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 = 223, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  4. 4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 245 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 245, Z = 96 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  5. 5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 251 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 = 251, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  6. 6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 220, Z = 85 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  7. 7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 240 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 = 240, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  8. 8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 = 215, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  9. 9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 209 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 209, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  10. 10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 236, Z = 93 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  11. 11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 234, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  12. 12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 225, Z = 85 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12 questions · Seed 48 · 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. 1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 214 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    210

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (214 − 4 = 210) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).

  2. 2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 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 226 and Z increases by 1 (86 + 1 = 87).

  3. 3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 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 (223 − 4 = 219) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).

  4. 4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 245 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    94

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (245 − 4 = 241) and Z decreases by 2 (96 − 2 = 94).

  5. 5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 251 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 251 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).

  6. 6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    220

    In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 220 and Z increases by 1 (85 + 1 = 86).

  7. 7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 240 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.

    236

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (240 − 4 = 236) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).

  8. 8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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.

    211

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).

  9. 9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 209 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    205

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (209 − 4 = 205) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).

  10. 10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    91

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (93 − 2 = 91).

  11. 11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    230

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (234 − 4 = 230) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).

  12. 12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    86

    In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 225 and Z increases by 1 (85 + 1 = 86).

12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 214 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 214, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  2. 2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 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 = 226, Z = 86 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  3. 3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 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 = 223, Z = 85 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  4. 4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 245 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 245, Z = 96 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  5. 5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 251 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 = 251, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  6. 6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 220, Z = 85 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  7. 7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 240 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 = 240, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  8. 8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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 = 215, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  9. 9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 209 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 209, Z = 82 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  10. 10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 236, Z = 93 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

  11. 11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 234, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

  12. 12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    Parent: A = 225, Z = 85 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 214 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    210

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (214 − 4 = 210) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).

  2. 2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 226 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 226 and Z increases by 1 (86 + 1 = 87).

  3. 3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 223 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 (223 − 4 = 219) and Z decreases by 2 (85 − 2 = 83).

  4. 4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 245 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    94

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (245 − 4 = 241) and Z decreases by 2 (96 − 2 = 94).

  5. 5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 251 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 251 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).

  6. 6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    220

    In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 220 and Z increases by 1 (85 + 1 = 86).

  7. 7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 240 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.

    236

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (240 − 4 = 236) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).

  8. 8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 215 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.

    211

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).

  9. 9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 209 and proton (atomic) number Z = 82. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    205

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (209 − 4 = 205) and Z decreases by 2 (82 − 2 = 80).

  10. 10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 93. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    91

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (93 − 2 = 91).

  11. 11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.

    230

    In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (234 − 4 = 230) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).

  12. 12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 225 and proton (atomic) number Z = 85. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.

    86

    In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 225 and Z increases by 1 (85 + 1 = 86).

12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification