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 = 232 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 = 232, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 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 = 220, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 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 = 222, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 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 = 242, Z = 95 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 243, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 247 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 247, Z = 94 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 243, Z = 91 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
10. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 215, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. 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 = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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 = 218, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

12 questions · Seed 104730 · 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 = 232 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.
228
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (232 − 4 = 228) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 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 220 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 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 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 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 (242 − 4 = 238) and Z decreases by 2 (95 − 2 = 93).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
95
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 242 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. 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 (94 + 1 = 95).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
243
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 243 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 247 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
92
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (247 − 4 = 243) and Z decreases by 2 (94 − 2 = 92).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
92
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 243 and Z increases by 1 (91 + 1 = 92).
10. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
81
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
11. 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).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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.
214
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (218 − 4 = 214) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).

12 questions · Seed 104730 · 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 = 232 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 = 232, Z = 91 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 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 = 220, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 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 = 222, Z = 84 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 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 = 242, Z = 95 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 241, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 243, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 247 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 247, Z = 94 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 243, Z = 91 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
10. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 215, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. 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 = ?
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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 = 218, Z = 83 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?

12 questions · Seed 104730 · 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 = 232 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.
228
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (232 − 4 = 228) and Z decreases by 2 (91 − 2 = 89).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 220 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 220 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 222 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 (222 − 4 = 218) and Z decreases by 2 (84 − 2 = 82).
4. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 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 (242 − 4 = 238) and Z decreases by 2 (95 − 2 = 93).
5. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
95
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 242 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 241 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. 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 (94 + 1 = 95).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the nucleon number A of the daughter nucleus.
243
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 243 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 247 and proton (atomic) number Z = 94. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
92
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (247 − 4 = 243) and Z decreases by 2 (94 − 2 = 92).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 243 and proton (atomic) number Z = 91. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
92
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 243 and Z increases by 1 (91 + 1 = 92).
10. 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 proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
81
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (215 − 4 = 211) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).
11. 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).
12. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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.
214
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (218 − 4 = 214) and Z decreases by 2 (83 − 2 = 81).

12 questions · Seed 104730 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification