Nuclear chemistry Flashcards
What does the stability of a nucleus depend on?
on the proton to neutron ratio or balance
How to change unstable nuclei into more stable nuclei.
emission of radiation and the release of energy
What are the three types of radiation?
Alpha, Beta, Gamma.
Whats an alpha
- Slow moving positively charged particle, attracted to the negative plate.
Whats a beta
- Fast moving negatively charged particle, attracted to the positive plate.
Whats a gamma
Electromagnetic radiation (travels at the speed of light). No deflection
what does an alpha consist of and how can it be stopped?
-comes from the nucleus of a radioactive atom -consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons -has 2+ charge -few cms of air can stop it
what does a beta consist of and how can it be stopped?
-is a electron -when a neutron splits up into a proton and an electron. -cant go through thin metal foil.
what does a gamma consist of and how can it be stopped?
-come from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. -They are electronegative waves. -stopped by thick lead or concrete
What is radiactive emission?
When radiation is discharged from and atom and changes its nature.
What should happen in nucluer equations?
-the sum of the atomic number and mass number on each side of the equation should balance.
What are half lifes used for?
Measures stability (or rate of decay) of a radioisotope
Halflifes are…
Unaffected by-: Change in temperature Use of catalysts Pressure Chemical states
Uses of radiostopes
-Cobalt-60(used in medicine to treat cancer) -Iodine-133(Used to treat thyroid gland (in the neck) -carbon-14(used to date once living materials)
Where is carbon -14 found?
In every living organism
How is carbon-14 formed?
-when neutrons from cosmic radiation collide with nitrogen atoms in our atmosphere
How does carbon dating work?
-Carbon-14 decays by beta-emission and has a half-life of 5730 years. - beta-decay emissions can be monitored and the data can used to calculate how long it has been since the material was alive
What is the nuclei notation of alpha
What is the nuclei notation of beta
What us the nuclei notation of gamma
