nuclear chemistry (radiation) Flashcards
Nucleus
The extremely small, positively charged, dense center of an atom that contains positively charged protons, neutral neutrons
Radioisotope
Isotopes of atoms that have unstable nuclei and emit radiation to attain more stable atomic configurations
X-Ray
A form of high-energy, penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted from some materials that are in an excited electron state.
Radioactivity
The ability possessed by some natural and synthetic isotopes to undergo nuclear transformation to other isotopes.
Fission
The splitting of a heavy nucleus by a neutron into two lighter nuclei, is accompanied by the release of energy.
Fusion (nuclear)
A reaction between small atomic nuclei to form a larger one, releasing energy in the process.
Penetrating Power
he ability of radiation to pass through matter.
Half-life
The time required to convert half of the original amount of reactant to product.
Radioactive decay
Unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in a spontaneous process.
Nuclear Decay
The process in which a radioactive atom spontaneously releases particles and/or energy.
types of radioactive decay
those that involve a change in the mass number of the decaying nucleus and those that do not
changes in mass number
alpha particles and B particles
alpha particle (𝛂)
helium nucleus, common mode of decay for heavy radioactive nuclides. it can be stopped with paper
b-particle production
beta particle emmission, produces an electron. net effect changes a neutron to a proton. can be stopped with Al foil. tiny mass
gamma ray, y ray
high energy photon. y ray production accompanies nuclear decay and particle reactions. can be stopped with inches of lead
