Unit 2: Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

Isotopic Notation

Answer 1

The way that isotopes are described based on their atomic number

Question 2

The value on the top of the isotopic notation is…

Answer 2

the mass

Question 3

The value on the bottom of the isotopic notation is…

Answer 3

the atomic number

Question 4

define parent nucleus

Answer 4

The original nucleus that we start off with before radioactive decay occurs. Its mass and atomic number along with the particle that is given off during radioactive decay dictate what element the daughter nucleus will be.
reminder: Look at notes see how look

Question 5

define daughter nucleus

Answer 5

what takes place as a result of the radioactive decay. The type of element this will be is dependent on the mass and atomic number of the parent nucleus and the type of particle.
reminder: look at notes see how look

Question 6

radioactive particles

Answer 6

They are the type of particle is given off during radioactive decay
reminder: Go back to notes, look at table O

Question 7

Law of Conservation of Mass

Answer 7

All the masses in the notation have to reflect this. it means that the mass is conserved in the notation.
An example is 226Ra (parent nucleus)=222Rn (daughter nucleus)+4He (radioactive particle). You can add the atomic mass of the daughter nucleus to the atomic mass of the radioactive nucleus to equal the mass of of the parent nucleus

Question 8

Law of Conservation of Charge

Answer 8

the atomic number that you find at the bottom of the isotopic notation. Its called “Conservation of Charge” because the atomic number also represents the positive charge. When you add the charges of the daughter nucleus to that of the radioactive particles charge you get the total charge of the parent nucleus.

Question 9

Alpha particles

Answer 9

Another way to say helium particles. They are released during alpha decay. its isotopic notation is 4H2 or 4a2 and its symbol is ‘a’

Question 10

Beta Particles

Answer 10

Released during beta decay. Its isotopic notation is 0e-1 or 0B-1. Its symbol is ‘b’

Question 11

Gamma Radiation

Answer 11

Its isotopic notation is 0Y0 and its symbol is ‘Y’

Question 12

proton

Answer 12

1H1 or 1p1. Its symbol is ‘p’

Question 13

positron

Answer 13

This is a positive electron. Its isotopic notation is 0e1 or 0B1. Its symbol is ‘B+’