Complex Chemistry/ Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
Radiation
Emission of subatomic particles or high energy electromagnetic radiation
Nuclear Decay
Integration in the nucleus. Continuous, spontaneous random process
Radioisotope/ radio nuclide
A nucleus that changes its structure spontaneously and continuously while emitting characteristics types of ration
3 types of emissions
Alpha/ Beta/ Gamma
Alpha emission
- Short range, highest ionization.
- Stopped by thin card, cannot penetrate skin, causes severe burn
- A decrease by 4, Z decrease by 2
Beta emission – 3 types:
Negatron Decay / Positron Decay/ Electron Capture
- Penetrate further than alpha, stopped by metal
Negatron Decay
- Emission of high speed, energetic e- or negatively charged beta particles
- Neutron to proton transition n > p + (-1e) + v (v = antineutrino)
- Z decrease by 1, A stay the same
Positron Decay
- emission of high energetic positively charged electrons (beta particles, antiparticle)
- Proton to neutron transition p > n + (+1e) + v (v = neutrino)
(Antiparticle meets corresponding particle = annihilation) - +1e + -1e > 2 gamma distinctive energy of 0.51 MeV
- Z decrease by 1, A stays the same
Electron Capture
- Proton to neutron transition p + (-1e) > n + x-rays
- Z decreases by 1, A remains the same
Gamma radiation
- Short wavelength, high energy electromagnetic radiation
- Very penetrating; stopped by thick lead plate or concrete shielding
- Emission of alpha and beta normally results in an excited state nuclide. Transition from excited state to ground state results in emission of gamma radiation
Nuclide
An atom of a particular isotope
Radioactive decay
Parent nuclide > daughter nuclide + nuclear radiation
Ratio of p+ & n0 change in parent nuclide > new elements formed
(p+ gives identity; e- gives personality)
Radioactivity
Unstable atom nuclei is spontaneously integrating and simultaneously giving out nuclear radiation
Chemical reaction vs Nuclear reaction
- Atoms are re- arranged to form new molecules in CR
- Different isotopes of the same element undergo same CR
- Different isotopes of the same element DO NOT all undergo the same NR
- Atoms are destroyed or created in NR
- Atomic mass change in NR
- Energy changes much greater in NR (E=mc^2)
Nuclear stability
Base on n:p ratio
Z < 20
stable ratio normally 1:1
Z > 20
1:1 to 1:1.5 is normally stable range
A > 209
major instability
Z > 83
instability