Basics Flashcards
Alpha
2N + 2 P gets released A (atomic number) reduces by 2 Z (proton) and N (neutron) reduce by 2 Mass so great, travels a few CM, cannot penetrate
Beta
Found where there is a neutron excess. A beta minus particle or electron is emitted accompanied by an antineutrino. One of the neutrons is transformed into a proton which stays in the nucleus
A remains unchanged
Z increases by 1
N decreased by 1
Electron capture
In neutron deficient nuclide, inner orbital electron is captured by a proton in nucleus forming neutron and neutrino. Occurs when not enough energy is available for positron emission and this is a better alternative to positron decay.
A nuclear proton becomes a neutron, hence N increased by 1 and Z decreases by 1 with A unchanged.
Usually accompanied by gamma emission
Electron capture
In neutron deficient nuclide, inner orbital electron is captured by a proton in nucleus forming neutron and neutrino. Occurs when not enough energy is available for positron emission and this is a better alternative to positron decay.
A nuclear proton becomes a neutron, hence N increased by 1 and Z decreases by 1 with A unchanged.
Usually accompanied by gamma emission
Transmutation
Decay in which there is a change in the number of protons, hence change of element
Isomeric Transition
Energy given off as gamma rays and protons and neutrons are unchanged
Internal Conversion
Excess energy of the nucleus is transmitted to one of the orbital electrons which may be ejected from ato. A unique radiation occurs when the electron is replaced. Competes with gamma-ray and occurs when energy given to electron exceeds its binding energy within the orbit
Positron emission
Neutron-deficient nuclide with too many protons, proton can be converted into a neutron, usually accompanied bby a neutrino. N increased by 1 and Z decreased by 1 and A is unchanged. Need at least 1.02 MeV
