Nuclear Reaction Flashcards
What is a chemical element?
(from nuclear reactions)
A specific type of atom with the same charge on the neucleus
What do properties of chemical elements and simple/complex substances rely on?
The charge of the nucleus atoms of these elements
What are nuclear reactions?
Changes made in the nucleus as a result of interaction with elementary particles and each other
What are the 4 main process between protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom?
- The fall of an electron
2.Positron Capture
3.Positron Decay
4.Electronic Decay
What causes the Fall of an Electron?
Occurs as a result of absorption of an electron into the nucleus, where it reacts with a proton to form a neutron.
It leads to the decrease of the positive charge for one unit
P1 + B1- = 1n
What is Positron Capture?
Formation of a proton from a neutron.
Mass doesnt change but charge increases by one unit
1n + B1 = 1P1
What is Positron Decay?
Process of transition of a proton into a neutron. Leads to decrease of charge by one unit, but mass remaints consistent.
1P1 + 1n = B1
What is Electron Decay?
Process of converting a neutron in the nucleus into a proton.
1n= 1P1 + B-1
What is “a” radiation (α-particle)
Stream of a-particles, which are nuclei helium atoms. These particles have strong ionizing properties and can overcome metal barriers less than 0.01 mm thick
What is B-radiation (β-particle)?
Stream of electrons with a negative charge. Overcomes metal barriers with thickness 0.01mm
What is y-radiation?
High electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays.
Pass through barriers of thickness 1m.
Do not affect chemical elements, nor the mass.
What are the main types of radioactive decay?
α-decay,β- and β+ decay
What happens in α-decay?
The atomic number of the element decreases by 2.
What happens during β-decay?
Nuclear charge increases by one, mass remains constant.
What happens during β+decay?
Nuclear charge decrease by one unit, mass remains the same.
This reaction goes with the formation of positron.
What do Nuclear Reactions produce?
Isotopes that have radioactive properties. They are unstable and decay over time into other elements.
