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Radioactive Decay Equations

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 4.2.12

Decay Equations

When writing the nuclear equations, atomic number and mass number must be the same on each side.

Atomic number

Atomic number

  • The sum (total) of the atomic numbers on one side of the equation must equal to the sum (total) of the atomic numbers on the other side.
Mass number

Mass number

  • The sum of the mass numbers must also be equal.

Test yourself on Radioactive Decay Equations

  • How many protons and neutrons are lost in alpha decay?

  • What is the product of beta decay of a carbon atom?

Practise this topic for free