Chemistry Chapter 20: Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry

Study of the structure of atomic nuclei and processes that change nucleus structure

Radioactivity

A phenomenon exhibited by an unstable nucleus that spontaneously undergoes a change into nuclei that are more stable

Always first order

The reaction rate of nuclear reactions

Alpha decay particle

⁴₂He

Beta decay particle

⁰_-1e^-

Gamma ray emission particle

⁰₀y

Positron emission particle

⁰₊₁e^-

Positron

positive electron

Alpha decay

The emission of an alpha particle from an unstable nucleus; particle is a product

Beta decay

The emission of a beta particle from an unstable nucleus; particle is a product

Gamma emission

Form of electromagnetic radiation; usually emitted with other types of radiation'; particle is a product

Positron emission

The emission of a positron from the nucleus; particle is a product

Electron capture

Occurs when one of the inner electrons in an atom is captured by the atom’s nucleus’ particle is a reactant

Rate equation of nuclear decay

Rate = kN, in which N is the number of radioactive nuclei in grams

Integrated rate equation of nuclear decay

ln(N_t/N₀) = -kt

Half-life rate equation of nuclear decay

t_1/2 = 0.693/k