Chem - Unit 3

radioactive decay

unstable isotopes become stable

• this because unstable ratio of protons to neutrons

alpha emission reaction

pos. charged helium atom emitted during radioactive decay

CHANGES: BOTH PROTONS AND NEUTRON

BLOCKED BY: paper/skin

Beta Emission Reaction

electron emitted during radioactive decay

CHANGES: neutron to proton

BLOCKED BY: Aluminum Foil

Positron Emission Reaction

positive electron emitted during radioactive decay

CHANGES: proton to neutron

BLOCKED BY: Aluminum Foil

Gamma Rays

high energy photon emitted by a nucleus during fission and radioactive decay

• not made up of matter

• can penetrate most materials

  BLOCKED BY: 6ft concrete + 6in lead

Electron Capture Reaction

the nucleus “grabs” e from shell 1

CHANGES: proton to neutron

Neutron Emission

one or more neutron are ejected from a nucleus