Nuclear Chem Flashcards
What is alpha associated with
Alpha particle (4/2 He - Helium nucleus)
Alpha Decay
What is an alpha particle represented by
4/2 He - Helium Nucleus
What is a beta particle represented by
0/-1 B (Electron)
What is a gamma particle represented by
0/0 y
Alpha decay contains…
4/2 He
When does atom use alpha decay
When it wants to reduce mass
When does an atom use beta decay
When the neutron to proton ratio (N/Z ratio) is too high
When does an atom use positron emission
When the neutron to proton ratio (N/Z ratio) is too low, used for lighter elements
When does an atom use electron capture
When the neutron to proton ratio (N/Z ratio) is too low, used for heavier elements
When does an atom use gamma decay
Gamma decay is usually paired with another form of decay, happens when nucleus of atom is in an excited state
Atoms are more likely to be reactive/non-reactive when their atomic number is above/below 83?
Reactive - Greater than 83
Non-Reactive - Less than or equal to 83
What is fusion
Taking two nuclei and fusing them to form a heavier nuclei
What is fission
Taking one nuclei and pulling it apart into two or more other nuclei
Heavier nuclei are more likely to undergo…
Fission
Lighter nuclei are more likely to undergo…
Fusion
If heavier than Iron-56…
Nuclei try and break apart, or fission, to get lighter
If lighter than Iron-56…
Nuclei try and fuse, or fusion, to get heavier
Nuclear fission example
Atomic bomb, “fission bomb”
Nuclear fusion example
Core of a star, “H-bomb”
Order of most penetrating particle to least penetrating particle/energy
Gamma ray (0/0 y), Beta particle (0/-1 or 0/1 B), Proton (1/1 p), Neutron (1/0 n), Alpha particle (4/2 He)
Lightest particle/energy to heaviest
Gamma ray (0/0 y), Beta particle (0/-1 or 0/1 B), Proton (1/1 p), Neutron (1/0 n), Alpha particle (4/2 He)
Heavier particles less likely to make it through skin because…
They are more likely to bump into other particles
Lighter particles are more likely to make it through skin because…
They are less likely to bump into another particle
Why are protons able to hang around together tightly in a nucleus?
Because of the strong nuclear force that out competes the electrostatic repulsion between the protons (short distances)
