ScienceAges 16-18

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 13-15 Ages 16-18

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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 = 227, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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 = 227, Z = 84 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 236, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 87. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 87 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 = 210, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 237, Z = 96 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 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 = 230, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 216 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 = 216, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 229 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 229, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 235 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 235, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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.
223
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (227 − 4 = 223) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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.
237
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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.
227
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 227 and Z increases by 1 (84 + 1 = 85).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
232
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 87. 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 (87 − 2 = 85).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 210 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
97
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (96 + 1 = 97).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 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 (230 − 4 = 226) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. 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 (90 − 2 = 88).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 216 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.
212
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (216 − 4 = 212) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 229 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
225
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (229 − 4 = 225) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 235 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
89
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 235 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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 = 227, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 92 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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 = 227, Z = 84 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 236, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 87. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 87 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 = 210, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 237, Z = 96 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 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 = 230, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 234, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 216 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 = 216, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 229 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 229, Z = 90 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 235 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 235, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Alpha (α) & beta (β) nuclear decay

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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.
223
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (227 − 4 = 223) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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.
237
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (92 + 1 = 93).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 227 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.
227
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 227 and Z increases by 1 (84 + 1 = 85).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
232
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 87. 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 (87 − 2 = 85).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 210 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 210 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 and proton (atomic) number Z = 96. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
97
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (96 + 1 = 97).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 230 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 (230 − 4 = 226) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 234 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. 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 (90 − 2 = 88).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 216 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.
212
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (216 − 4 = 212) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
11. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 229 and proton (atomic) number Z = 90. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
225
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (229 − 4 = 225) and Z decreases by 2 (90 − 2 = 88).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 235 and proton (atomic) number Z = 88. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
89
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 235 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).

12 questions · Seed 104729 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification