Nuclear Chem Flashcards
transmutation
conversion of 1 element to another
Why do nucleons stay w/in the nucleus?
strong nuclear force overcomes electrostatic repulsion b/w protons
How particles become radioactive:
- as atomic # goes up (protons) on periodic table, more neutrons needed to stabilize (produce strong nuc. force)
- ratio 1.5 n: 1 p
- all elements over 82 radioactive
all radioactive nuclei found OUTSIDE of…
band of stability
beta decay
- radioisotopes have too many neutrons. stabilizes by converting 1 neutron to a proton (absorbed in nucleus) + electron (emitted beta particle)
- mass DOES NOT CHANGE
0 -1 e
beta designation
atomic number increases by 1
beta particle
same mass and charge of electron
beta particle
alpha decay
- spontaneous decay, NO BALANCE
- both protons/neutrons reduced during emission
1 0 N → 1 1 H + 0 -1 e
beta EMISSION
+2 positive charge
alpha particle
2 protons, 2 neutrons =
alpha particle
largest radioisotope, can’t get through skin
alpha particle
4 2 He
alpha designation
decay for low N to P ratios
positron emission + electron capture
All radioactive decay purpose:
stability
particle w/ same mass + opposite charge of electron
positron
positron emission
proton → neutron + positron
0 +1 e
positron designation
electron capture
- nucleus of 1 atom draws in surrounding electron
- electron + proton = neutron
atomic # -2, mass decreases 4
alpha decay
atomic # +1, no change in mass
beta decay
a. atomic # -1, no change in mass
positron decay
b. atomic # -1, no change in mass
electron capture