nuclear equations Flashcards
what do nuclear equations show
radioactive decay
how are nuclear equations written in the form of
atom before decay ———> atom after decay + radiation emitted
what is one rule on nuclear equations you have to remember
the total mass and atomic numbers must be equal on both sides
what does alpha decay decrease
the charge and mass of the Nucleus
what happens when an atom emits an alpha particle
the atomic number reduces by two and its mass number reduces by 4
what is an example of alpha decay
238 —> 234 +4
92 —>90 +2
what does beta decay do
increase the charge of the nucleus
what happens when beta decay occurs
a neutron In the nucleus turns into a proton and releases a fast moving electron
What does the nucleus lose and gain in beta decay
Loses a neutral and games approach on to the mass of the nucleus doesn’t change
How many protons does it increase by in beta decay
1
What is an example of beta decay
14 —> 14 + 0
6 —> 7 - 1
