Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

A process where a parent isotope splits into a daughter isotope and a Helium nucleus, resulting in a loss of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Daughter Isotope

The product of radioactive decay, which is a different element located two places back on the periodic table from the parent isotope.

Beta Decay

A radioactive decay process in which a parent isotope gains a proton, transforming into a daughter isotope of the same mass but a different atomic number.

Gamma Decay

A process where a parent isotope loses energy and falls to a lower energy state, resulting in the emission of photons, which are highly penetrating.

Positron Emission

A type of decay where a parent isotope emits a positron, creating a daughter isotope by converting a proton to a neutron and a positron.

Electron Capture

A process in which a parent isotope captures an inner shell electron, resulting in a daughter isotope with a reduced atomic number.

Half-Life

The time required for half of a radioactive isotope to decay into daughter isotopes.

Nuclear Fusion

The process of combining small atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy, as seen in stars.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy, commonly occurring in nuclear power plants.

Exponential Decay Curve

A graphical representation of the decay of radioactive isotopes, illustrating the constant half-life.

Decay Series

A sequence of successive radioactive decays that occur until a stable isotope is formed.

Decay Formula

N (final amount)=N0(initial amount)(½)t, where t is time and (1/2) represents the half-life.

Rate of Decay Formula

ln(N/N0)=-k(rate of decay)t, which relates the amount of remaining isotope to its decay rate.

t1/2 Formula

t1/2=0.693/k, which calculates the half-life from the decay constant (k).