CAIE A-Level Physics 11.1.11 Alpha and Beta Decay Equations

Practise completing alpha, beta-minus and beta-plus decay equations, conserving nucleon number and charge and identifying daughters, particles and neutrinos.

Exam points

write or complete alpha- and beta-decay equations using nuclide notation
apply conservation of nucleon number and charge to identify the daughter nucleus or emitted particle
distinguish the changes in proton and nucleon number for alpha, beta-minus and beta-plus decay

[Maximum number: 2]

The nuclide ${ }_{1}^{3} \mathrm{H}$ is an isotope of hydrogen that is called tritium.

Tritium is radioactive and undergoes $\beta^{-}$ decay to form an isotope of helium (He). Gamma radiation is not emitted during this decay.

Complete the equation to represent the radioactive decay of tritium.

{}_{1}^{3}\mathrm{H}\rightarrow{}_{\ldots}^{\ldots}\mathrm{He}+{}_{\ldots}^{\ldots}\beta+{}_{0}^{0}\mathrm{X}

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11.1.11—Α- and β-decay by a radioactive decay equation of the form UT h92 238 90 234 question 1