Unit 4- Atoms And Nuclear Flashcards
Define radioactivity… what will it go through?
Radioactivity (aka radioactive decay/ nuclear decay)- takes place when an unstable atom’s nucleus spontaneously changes by emitting radiation… will go through transmutation- occurs when 1 element changes into hopefully a stable element
Parent—> daughter atom
Alpha decay
A. A-4. 4
X—> Y +. He
Z. Z-2. 2
stopped by sheet of a paper
not regular helium atom bc its born from nuclear decay
+2 charge
OVER 83 PROTONS/RATION OF 1.5<
Beta decay
A. A. 0
X—>. Y+. E
Z. Z-1. +1
Too many neutrons
Positron/electron capture
Positron: a p+ converts a neutron
A. A. 0
X—>. Y + E
Z. Z-1. +1
Electron capture: electron captured by nucleus
A. 0. A
X +. E—> Y
Z. -1. Z-1
-stopped by a sheet of aluminum
-too few neutrons
Gamma decay
Nucleus of the atom has extra energy
No actual particles is released… daughter atom same as parent
Can’t be fully stopped, slowed by several inches of lead/ several ft of concrete
A. A. 0
X—>. X + Y
Z. Z. 0
Band of stability
Graph that compares the # of protons to the # of neutrons to determine if an isotope is stable.
Y-axis= neutrons
N/P
Fusion
Small nuclei join to make larger nuclei
INCREDIBLE amount of energy released
In stars: hydrogen isotopes, temp and pressure fuse to form helium
Atoms smaller than iron
Fission
Atom breaks down into smaller atoms
Can be used in electricity
Atom is bombarded w neutrons and the nucleus breaks into smaller parts
A continuous serious of fission—> chain reaction
Protons (4)
Needed to form an element
determines/define the element
Same amount in each isotope
Atomic number= protons
Neutrons (3)
Different amount in isotopes
Causes heavier and lighter atoms to exist
Defines isotopes
Neutrons and protons
Mass #= protons + neutrons
In the center of the atom
Affects stability
Electrons
On the rings
Doesn’t affect stability
Has the lowest mass
Protons+neutrons
Charge= protons-electrons
Anion~ negative charges have less protons than electrons
Cation~ positive charges have more protons than electrons
Amount is equal causes a neutral atom
AMU=
Or AMU= (percents)
AMU= mass #1+ mass #2(1-x)
AMU= (mass1x%)+(mass2x%) divided by 100
Explain nuclear fission
Happens in the reactor which releases energy to heat water in the first loop. This energy is transferred into the second loop of water which turns into steam. Steam is then used to turn the turbine to generate electricity.
