Nuclear Chemistry

Flashcards covering key concepts in nuclear chemistry, focused on radioactivity, types of radiation, nuclear reactions, and radiation measurement.

Radioactivity

The process by which unstable atomic nuclei emit radiation to become more stable.

Alpha Particle (α)

A particle identical to a helium nucleus emitted during alpha decay.

Beta Particle (β)

High energy electrons emitted during beta decay.

Positron (β+)

A particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge, emitted during positron decay.

Gamma Rays (γ)

Pure energy emitted from a nucleus without a change to mass or atomic number.

Radioisotope

An isotope of an element that emits radiation.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms.

Radiation Protection

Methods to shield against radiation, such as using paper for alpha particles, lab coats for beta particles, and lead or concrete for gamma rays.

Nuclear Reaction

A process that occurs when the nucleus of an atom undergoes radioactive decay.

Alpha Decay

A type of decay where an alpha particle is emitted, decreasing mass number by 4 and atomic number by 2.

Beta Decay

A type of decay that emits a beta particle, with the same mass number and an atomic number increased by 1.

Positron Decay

A process where a positron is emitted, with mass number remaining the same and atomic number decreased by 1.

Transmutation

The process of converting a stable nucleus into a radioactive nucleus by bombarding it with particles.

Geiger Counter

An instrument that detects beta and gamma radiation.

Curie (Ci)

A unit measuring the number of disintegrations of radioactive material per second.

Becquerel (Bq)

The SI unit of radiation activity, equivalent to one disintegration per second.

Rad

A measurement unit for the amount of radiation absorbed by one gram of material.

Rem

A unit measuring the biological effects of different kinds of radiation.

Equivalent Dose

A measure of biological effects calculated by multiplying the absorbed dose by a factor for the type of radiation.

Natural Sources of Radiation Exposure

Radioisotopes present in food, water, air, and buildings that contribute to everyday radiation exposure.