Chem - Nuclear Flashcards
Nuclear Reactions
Atoms of an element convert to atoms of a different element by expulsion or absorption of protons and neutrons
Nuclide
A nucleaus with a particular composition; designated by mass number (A)
Nucleon
Collective term for protons and neutrons, a particle in the nucleus
Radioactivity
Spontaneous disintigration of a nucleus by emmision of radiation
Alpha particle
Bundle of 2 neutrons and 2 protons; identical to a helium-4 nuclei; 4/2
Beta particles
High speed electrons; 0/-1
Gamma rays
Very high energy photons; not particles
Daughter nuclide
Lower energy nuclide remaining after a nuclide decays
Alpha decay
Loss of an alpha particle (4/2) from the nucleus; A decreases by 4, Z decreases by 2
Beta decay
A neutron is converted to a proton that remains in the nucleus and a B- particle (0/-1) is expelled; A remains the same, Z increases by 1
Positron emission
A proton is converted into a neutron and a positron (B+ 0/1) is expelled; A remains the same, Z decreases by 1
Electron Capture
The nucleus draws in an electron (0/-1) from a low atomic energy level and converts a proton into a neutron; A remains the same, Z decreases by 1
Positron
Antiparticle of an electron; 0/1
Gamma Emission
Releases excess energy by radiation of a high energy gamma photon; no change in A or Z
Neutron rich atoms undergo
Beta decay, neutron converted into proton
Proton rich atoms undergo
Positron emission, proton converted into neutron
Atoms with heavy nuclides undergo
Alpha decay, removes massby emitting protons and neutrons
