Radioactivity & Nuclear Chemistry

Flashcards focusing on key terms related to Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry.

Nuclear Chemistry

The study of changes in atomic nuclei.

Radioactivity

The release of particles or energy from certain atomic nuclei.

Radioactive decay

When unstable atoms break down and give off radiation.

Alpha decay (α)

A type of decay where an atom releases an alpha particle. It can't go through thick materials.

Beta decay (β)

A decay process where an atom releases beta particles or electrons.

Gamma radiation (γ)

Powerful energy waves that come from nuclear reactions and can go through most materials.

Positron Emission

When an atom releases a positron, which is similar to an electron but positive.

Electron Capture

When an atom grabs an electron and changes a proton into a neutron.

Valley of Stability

A chart showing stable versus unstable atoms based on neutrons and protons.

Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Mass defect (Δm)

The difference between a nucleus's actual mass and the total mass of its parts.

Binding Energy (ΔE)

The energy released when a nucleus is made from its particles.

Nuclear Fission

When a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei and releases energy.

Nuclear Fusion

When two light nuclei join to form a heavier nucleus and release energy.

Transmutation

Changing one element into another through a nuclear reaction.

Radiocarbon Dating

A method to estimate how old something is by measuring carbon isotopes.

PET Scan

A medical test that shows images of the body by detecting radiation from positrons.

Ionizing Power

How well radiation can remove electrons from atoms.

Penetrating Power

How far radiation can go through materials.

Stable Nuclide

An atom that doesn't change or decay.

Nuclide

A specific kind of atom defined by its number of protons and neutrons.