Nuclear Chemistry

alpha particle α

beta particle β

aka electron

gamma particle γ

high-energy photon, electromagnetic radiation, always accompanied by another particle

positron

neutron

proton

1/1 H

the more energy created…

the more harmful it is to the human body

chemical reactions

reactions involving electrons

nuclear reactions

reactions involving protons and neutrons

radioactive

nucleus becomes unstable and tries to become stable--gives off radiation

1:1 ratio of protons to neutrons

necessary for keeping the nucleus stable

after #20 (calcium) on the periodic table…

more neutrons than protons are needed and it loses the 1:1 ratio

82 Pb (lead)

the last stable element, all elements afterward are unstable

radioactive decay

when a nucleus is so unstable that it decays to reach a stable nucleus--shedding dangerous particles

spontaneous disintegration of nucleus

happens without any intervention, nucleus disintegrates into a slightly larger nucleus accompanied by the emission of particles, electromagnetic radiation, or both

radioactive series

a series of nuclear reactions that begins with an unstable nucleus and terminates with a stable one

antimatter

positrons are opposite of beta particles/electrons, when combined both are annihlated and create gamma rays