Nuclear Chemistry Flashcards
Where does a nuclear reaction take place?
In the nucleus of an atom.
Radioactive energy given off by unstable atoms
Radiation
What are the 3 types of radiation?
1.) Alpha particles
2.) Beta particles
3.) Gamma Rays
What is the time required for half of radioisotopes nuclei to decay into its particles?
Half-life
Caused by nuclear radiation transferring energy from nuclear decay to electrons within atoms
Nuclear Ionization
What are some of the biological effects of being overexposed to radiation?
Damage to somatic (body) cells and sex (gamete) cells.
Names of instruments that detect ionizing radiation?
1.) film badges
2.) geiger counters
3.) scintillation counters
Finds the approximate age of an object by determining the # of radioactive nuclides present.
Radioactive Dating
loses 2 protons, loses 2 electrons
Alpha decay
1 neutron is converted into proton and an electron. Atom keeps proton and loses electron.
Beta decay
Carries away energy and makes the atom more stable.
Gamma decay
shielding on paper, wood, cloth, etc.
Alpha
shielding on Aluminum or other metals
Beta
shielding on lead
Gamma
Penetrating power is low
Alpha
Penetrating power is medium
Beta
Penetrating power is High
Gamma
Mass: 4
Alpha
Mass: .0005
Beta
Mass: 0
Gamma
Electric Charge: 2+
Alpha
Electric Charge: 1-
Beta
Electric Charge: 0
Gamma
Symbol: half of infinity sign
Alpha
Symbol: B
Beta
Symbol: Y
Gamma
composition: fast moving electrons emitted from nucleus
Beta
composition: helium nucleus
Alpha
composition: (*) high energy radiation, no mass, no charge
Gamma
