Nuclear Symbol Notation Flashcards
What do all atoms of the same element have in common?
The same number of protons in the nucleus
This is why they have the same atomic number, Z.
What distinguishes isotopes of the same element?
Different numbers of neutrons
This results in different mass numbers, A.
Define isotopes.
Versions of an element that have a different number of neutrons.
Provide an example of two isotopes of carbon.
Carbon-14 and Carbon-12
Carbon-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons; Carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.
What are radioisotopes?
Isotopes that are radioactive.
What is radioactive decay?
The process by which radioisotopes undergo transformation.
What happens during alpha decay?
Loses the equivalent of a helium atom, losing 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
How does alpha decay affect the position of an element in the periodic table?
The element jumps down 2 places.
What occurs during beta positive decay?
1 proton converts into a neutron.
How does beta positive decay affect the periodic table position?
Moves 1 place down.
What occurs during beta negative decay?
1 neutron transforms into a proton.
How does beta negative decay affect the periodic table position?
Moves 1 place up.
Define half-life.
The time it takes for half of the atoms to decay.
What are ions?
Atoms that have lost or gained one or more electrons.
