Radioactive decay Flashcards
what is emitted from the nucleus
matter & energy
what does an alpha particle consist of
2 protons & 2 neutrons (same as helium HE)
4 amu
in alpha decay how does the atom change
Z & A
Z: decreases by 2
A: decreases by 4
what does the element look like for alpha decay
4
He+
2
In Beta- ….. a neutron becomes what
a proton
In beta- how does the atom change
A & Z
A: has no change
Z: increase by 1
what does the element look like for Beta-
0
E
-1
In beta + a proton becomes what
a neutron
how does the atom change in Beta+
A & Z
A: has no change
Z: decreases by 1
what does a Beta + symbol look like
0
E
1
A Beta+ particle is also known as what
positron ( positron emission tomography)(PET scan)
what is gamma emission
by product of radioactive decay
occurs with alpha & beta decay
describe particulate nuclear emission
they have actual particles
they have a rest mass
ex:
Alpha
Beta-
Beta+
describe non particulate nuclear emission
No particles
No mass
ex:
gamma rays
x rays
what is it referred to when nuclear emission is passing through without being stopped or scattered
penetrability
what cant gamma rays penetrate
concrete
what cant beta - & beta + penetrate
aluminum
what is happenig when particulate and non particulate radiation is stopped
Ionization occurs (making ions)(removing electrons)
what does ionization do to chemical bonds
disrupt them
what is a half life
the time is takes for half of the starting material to decay
where must you start when discussing half lifes
at 0
what happens in a nuclear reaction
an unstable element changes to a stable element
what are the 2 types of nuclear reactions
fission= split into 2
fusion= joins 2 or more together
