Nuclear Equations

What are nuclear equations?

A way of showing radioactive decay by using element symbols.

How are nuclear equations written?

Atom before decay → atom after decay + radiation emitted.

What is the golden rule?

The total mass and atomic numbers must be equal on both sides.

Alpha decay de…?

Decreases the charge and mass of the nucleus. - When an atoms emits an alpha particle, its atomic number is decreased by two and its mass number is decreased by four (atomic mass and number of Helium).

Beta decay in…?

Increases the charge of the nucleus. - a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton and release a fast-moving electron (beta particle). Because the nucleus gained another proton the positive charge of the nucleus is increased by one. However, the mass number doesn’t change.

Beta decay formula

E - Mass number = 0, Atomic number = -1

Gamma Rays d…?

Don’t change the mass of the nucleus. - gamma rays are a way of getting rid of excess energy from a nucleus. This means there is no change to the atomic mass or atomic number of the atom.