Stable And Unstable Nuclei Flashcards
What do unstable nuclei do?
They decay
When does alpha decay normally occur?
In neutron heavy elements (eg Uranium)
What is the alpha decay equation for Uranium - 238?
U-238 (atomic no. 92) -> Th-234 (atomic no. 90) + Alpha particle
What is alpha radiation stopped by?
Paper or a few cm of air
Alpha radiation is highly…
Ionising
What are the two types of beta decay?
Beta minus
Beta plus
When does beta minus decay occur?
When a neutron turns into a proton
What is released during beta minus decay?
Fast moving electron + an antineutrino
What is gamma radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation
When is gamma radiation emitted?
When a nucleus has too much energy following the release of an alpha or beta particle
What is the strong nuclear force?
The force that keeps the protons and neutrons in a nucleus together
What is the range of the strong nuclear force?
3-4 fm
When is the strong nuclear force an attractive force?
Between 0.5fm and 3-4fm
What is the exchange particle of the strong nuclear force?
Pion
