Transmutations Flashcards
1
Q
What is transmutation?
A
Transmutation is the conversion of one chemical element to the other.
2
Q
What is an alpha transmutation?
A
Alpha transmutations is a loss of a helium particle from the chemical. For example radium has an atomic number of 88 and an atomic mass of 226. The radium loses 2 protons 88-2 = 86. The atom then loses 4 nucleons from the atomic mass 226 - 4 = 222.
3
Q
What is a Beta transmutation?
A
Beta transmutations are a loss of an electron in the nucleus. This happens because a neutron becomes a proton and releases an electron. This means that the atomic number increases by one and the mass number remains the same.
