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Review
A)
238
92
B) Uranium-238
C) Ca 40.08
20
Types of Radiation
Alpha Particles
During alpha decay, a nucleus ejects an alpha
particle, which is a cluster of two protons and two
neutrons. The alpha particle is given the symbol .
Alpha decay is caused when there are too many
protons in the nucleus, emitting positively charged
particles.
Alpha decay only occurs in atoms with very heavy
nucleithis is usually where the mass number
(protons plus neutrons) is greater than 100. For
example, the radioisotope uranium-238.
Alpha Particles
Beta Particles
Beta particles are identical to electrons and therefore have
a negative charge.
Beta decay occurs when the nucleus ejects a beta particle,
which is given the symbol .
Beta Particles
Gamma Ray
Radioactive Decay
Radioisotopes
Transmutation
During nuclear decay, atoms may change
from one element to another which is
known as transmutation.
Transmutation never occurs during
everyday chemical reactions such as those
that happen when you breathe, bake a cake
or burn paper.
It only occurs during nuclear decay (when
the nucleus gives off radiation).
Transmutation
Nuclear Equations
We can write equations to describe the
nuclear reaction process.
These equations must include the type of
radioactive decay alpha, beta or gamma
particles.
We also write the mass and atomic number
for each element in the equations.
Eg:
90
Questions
The atomic number of uranium (U) is 92.
The atomic number of thorium (Th) is 90.
Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay to
form thorium-234 and an alpha particle.
A) Clarify what the number 238 tells us
about the uranium-238 atom.
B) Describe the composition of an alpha
particle.
C) Determine the nuclear equation for the
alpha decay of uranium-238.