🌺Nuclear Decay and Radiation༊*·˚

Define Nuclear Decay and Radioisotopes

Nuclear decay (also called radioactive decay) is the process by which an unstable atom loses energy by emitting electromagnetic radiation. (gamma rays)

The emission of electromagnetic radiation or particles is called ‘nuclear decay or nuclear reaction’

Radioisotopes are isotopes of elements that are radioactive, meaning their nuclei are unstable and undergo nuclear decay.

Describe how radioisotopes form

Radioisotopes are formed when stable atoms are altered in a way that makes their nuclei unstable. This can happen naturally or artificially

Factors of Nuclear Decay

Atoms may form one element into another

The change is known as ‘transmutation’

Which only occurs in nuclear decay

Identify some examples that are radioactive

Carbon-14, elements ending in ‘ium’

Describe Alpha Decay

A process in which a nucleus ejects an alpha particle, which is a cluster of two protons and two neutrons.

The alpha particle is given the symbol a and is identical to a helium nucleus

Factors of Alpha Decay

Only occurs in atoms with very heavy, unstable nuclei.

Describe Beta Decay

Occurs when an unstable nucleus ejects a beta particle, which is given the symbol B.

Beta particles are identical to electrons and therefore are very small and have a negative charge.

When the nucleus undergoes beta decay, the neutron is converted into a proton.

Factors of Beta Decay

The atomic number increases by one, meaning a new element is formed. The atomic mass stays the same.

Describe Gamma Decay

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus releases gamma rays—a form of electromagnetic wave—to become more stable.

Factors of Gamma Rays

Given the symbol y and are like X-rays but are more powerful.

Describe Half-Life

The rate at which nuclear decay takes place is measured by a radioisotope’s half-life.

The half-life of a radioisotope is the time for half the nuclei (or half of the known sample) to decay.