Atomic And Nuclear Physics - SS3 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 2

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements based on their atomic structure and chemical properties. The table is arranged in rows and columns, where each element is placed in a specific location based on its atomic number, electron configuration, and chemical behaviour.

The periodic table is also used extensively in industry and technology, as many materials and compounds are based on the properties of specific elements and their combinations.

In alpha decay, a heavy, unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This decreases the atomic number of the nucleus by two and the mass number by four.