Natural Radioactivity

Vocabulary flashcards created to reinforce key concepts and terminology from the lecture on Natural Radioactivity.

Nucleogenesis

The process that produces nuclides that can be stable or unstable.

Radioactivity

High-energy products resulting from the decay of unstable nuclei.

Alpha Decay

A radioactive decay mechanism that emits an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus.

Beta Decay (β- decay)

A decay process where a neutron is converted to a proton, emitting an electron.

Positron Emission (β+)

A decay process where a positron, the antiparticle of an electron, is emitted from the nucleus.

Electron Capture

A process where an electron is captured by the nucleus, increasing its atomic number.

Alpha Particle

A helium nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Uranium-238

An isotope of uranium that undergoes alpha decay.

Thorium-234

An intermediate product formed from the alpha decay of uranium-238.

Nuclear Stability

The condition of a nucleus remaining intact without undergoing decay.

N/P Ratio

The ratio of neutrons to protons in a nucleus which influences stability.

Zone of Stability

The region in the nuclide chart where stable isotopes are found.

Gamma Radiation

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear reactions.

Beta Particle

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted in beta decay.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Alpha Decay Equation

An equation representing alpha decay, e.g., 238U → 234Th + 4He.

Beta Decay Equation

An equation representing beta decay, e.g., 234Th → 234Pa + 0e-.

Half-life

The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

Primary Radio Nuclides

Long-lived radio nuclides formed through nucleogenesis.

Anthropogenic Activities

Human activities that can introduce radioactive isotopes into the environment.

Isotopic Abundance

The relative amount of a particular isotope present in a sample.

Nuclear Reaction

A reaction that alters the composition of an atomic nucleus.

Long-lived Radio Nuclides

Radioactive isotopes with exceedingly long half-lives, often greater than 10 billion years.

Decay Series

A sequence of radioactive decay processes that create a series of daughter isotopes.

Radiochemistry

The study of the chemical properties and behavior of radioactive elements.

Catalysts

Substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Fission

The splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei along with energy release.

Fusion

The process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Stability Rule

Unstable isotopes must decay towards the zone of stability.

Radiations Causes Damage

It refers to the harmful effects of radiation on biological tissues.

Nuclear Chemistry

Field of chemistry that deals with radioactivity and nuclear processes.

Decay Rate

The speed at which a radioactive isotope transforms into a different element.

Transmutation

The process of converting one element into another through nuclear reactions.