Radioactivity Worksheet
1. The three types of radioactive emissions are called alpha (α),
beta (β) and gamma (ϒ) radiation. Complete the table below
with the correct information about each type.
Charge
Nuclear
symbol
Can be
stopped by
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
2. Which of the three radioactive emissions (α,β,ϒ) best fit the
following statements? Write the correct symbol(s) on the
line.
a) There emissions are charged ____________________
b) This emission is the most massive (heaviest) ____________
c) This emission is the most charged _______________
d) This emission is stopped by thin paper or a few centimeters
of air _____________________
e) This emission can travel through paper, but is stopped by
aluminum ___________________
f) This emission can travel through fairly thick lead
______________
3. Which type of radiation:
a) Results in greatest change in atomic number_____________
b) Results in least change in atomic number _____________
c) Produces the greatest change in the mass number________
d) Produces the least change in the mass number___________
4. Complete the following nuclear reactions.
a.
226
88Ra

?
??
+
0
-1e
_____________________________________
b.
209
84Po

205
82Pb
+
?
??
___________________________________
c.
238
92U

?
??
+
4
2He
____________________________________
d.
234
90
Th

234
91Pa
+
?
??
____________________________________
e.
?
??
+
14
7N

17
8O
+11H
____________________________________
5. Write the following nuclear equations.
a. Radium-226 undergoing alpha decay
___________________________________________
b. Neptunium-239 undergoing beta decay
____________________________________________
c. Carbon-14 undergoing beta decay
________________________________________
d. Argon-40 undergoing alpha decay