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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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 = 233 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 = 233, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 238, Z = 89 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. 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 = ?
5. 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 = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 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 = 236, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 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 = 232, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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 = 218, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 249 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 = 249, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. 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. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 = 233 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.
229
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 237 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 238 and Z increases by 1 (89 + 1 = 90).
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 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.
232
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 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 232 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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.
237
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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.
218
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 218 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 249 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 249 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
11. 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. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (242 − 4 = 238) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 = 233 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 = 233, Z = 88 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 93 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 238, Z = 89 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
4. 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 = ?
5. 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 = ?
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 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 = 236, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 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 = 232, Z = 94 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 = 237, Z = 88 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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 = 218, Z = 82 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Nucleon Number A = ?
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 249 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 = 249, Z = 95 (beta-minus (β⁻)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?
11. 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. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
Parent: A = 242, Z = 92 (alpha (α)) · Daughter Proton Number Z = ?

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 = 233 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.
229
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (233 − 4 = 229) and Z decreases by 2 (88 − 2 = 86).
2. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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 237 and Z increases by 1 (93 + 1 = 94).
3. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 238 and proton (atomic) number Z = 89. It undergoes beta-minus (β⁻) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 238 and Z increases by 1 (89 + 1 = 90).
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 236 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.
232
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (236 − 4 = 232) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).
7. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 232 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 232 and Z increases by 1 (94 + 1 = 95).
8. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 237 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.
237
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 237 and Z increases by 1 (88 + 1 = 89).
9. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 218 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.
218
In beta-minus (⁰₋₁e) decay, a neutron becomes a proton so A remains 218 and Z increases by 1 (82 + 1 = 83).
10. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 249 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 249 and Z increases by 1 (95 + 1 = 96).
11. 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. A radioactive parent nucleus has nucleon (mass) number A = 242 and proton (atomic) number Z = 92. It undergoes alpha (α) decay to form a daughter nucleus. Find the proton number Z of the daughter nucleus.
90
In alpha (⁴₂He) decay, A decreases by 4 (242 − 4 = 238) and Z decreases by 2 (92 − 2 = 90).

12 questions · Seed 43 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification