Chapter 25 (Nuclear Chemistry) Flashcards
What can a nucleus do?
Undergo nuclear reactions involving particles & energy.
What is nuclear chemistry?
The study of changes that occur inside the nucleus of an atom.
What are the two types of a nuclear reaction?
Fission & Fusion
What is nuclear fission?
The splitting of an atom (Nuclear Bombs & Reactors)
What is nuclear fusion?
Putting Together Atoms (Surface of the Sun)
What are the properties of an alpha particle?
Symbol - α
Mass - 4
Atomic # - 2
Penetration - Very Low
What are the properties of a beta particle?
Symbol - β
Mass - 0
Atomic # - -1
Penetration - Low
What is alpha decay?
A particle made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons is ejected from the nucleus.
What is beta decay?
A neutron breaks down into a proton and beta particle (essentially an electron) and the beta particle is ejected from the nucleus.
What are the properties of gamma radiation?
Symbol - γ
Mass - 0
Atomic # - 0
Penetration - Very High
What is gamma decay?
The nucleus has too much energy & releases the extra in the form of electromagnetic waves.
What are the properties of a positron?
Symbol - β
Mass - 0
Atomic # - +1
Penetration - Low
What is electron capture?
A proton and electron join to form a neutron, there is no change in mass, but the atomic number decreases since a neutron now replaces a proton.
What are the properties of a neutron?
Symbol - n
Mass - 1
Atomic # - 0
Penetration - Very High
Why are some atoms radioactive?
Because of their neutron-proton ration. 80% of isotopes are radioactive and go through decay to reach stability.
