Elements
I have 6 protons. Find me.
carbon
The inner part of an atom that contains the proton and the neutron is called the __________.
nucleus
Atomic numbers of an atom are the same as the number of what in an atom?
protons
This type of radioactive decay converts a neutron to a proton, thereby increasing the atomic number by 1.
What is beta decay ($\beta^{-}$
This is the spontaneous process where an unstable nucleus releases energy and/or particles.
Radioactive decay
I am the element located in Period 3 and Group 1 (or 1A). Find me.
What is Sodium (Na)?
These particles have a positive charge and are found inside the nucleus.
proton
Carbon's atomic number is _______.
6
The emission of this particle decreases the atomic number by 2 and the atomic mass by 4.
What is an alpha particle?
This nuclear process is used in power plants and involves splitting a large, heavy nucleus.
Fission
I have an average atomic mass of approximately 39.95 AMU and am a noble gas. Find me.
What is Argon (Ar)?
These particles are located within the nucleus, and have no charge.
neutron
What element has a number of 56?
barium
This form of radiation releases energy but does not change the atomic number or the atomic mass of the atom.
What are gamma rays?
This nuclear process joins two small, light nuclei to form a heavier one, releasing massive amounts of energy.
Fusion
I am the element that has exactly 10 neutrons and 10 electrons in my most common, neutral form. Find me.
What is Neon (Ne)?
These particles are negatively charge and are found outside the nucleus.
electrons
Why does hydrogen have an atomic number of 1?
Because it only has one proton.
Alpha particles, being the largest, can be blocked with just a single sheet of this material.
What is paper?
Fission requires an initial neutron to start; fusion requires extremely high temperature and pressure found in this place.
The sun (or other stars)
I am an element in Group 15. I am in the same period as the element whose neutral atom contains 18 electrons. Find me.
What is Phosphorus (P)? (The element with 18 electrons is Argon, which is in Period 3. The element in Group 15, Period 3 is Phosphorus.)
Most of the mass of an atom is located here.
nucleus
Some atoms have more electrons, which makes it an ___________ and gives it a negative charge
isotope
Radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, that is energetic enough to strip electrons from atoms and create ions.
What is ionizing radiation?
An atom has 19 protons and 21 neutrons. This is the atomic mass of the atom.
40 (19 + 21)