Nuclear Chemistry Unit 11

What is nuclear chemistry?

The study of reactions involving the nuclei of atoms.

Define radioactive decay.

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

What are the types of radioactive decay?

Alpha decay, beta decay, gamma radiation, and positron emission.

Describe alpha decay.

The emission of an alpha particle (_{4}^{2}He) from the nucleus, reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

Describe positron emission.

Positron emission (\beta^+ decay) occurs when a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron (_{1}^{0}e). This process decreases the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains the same.

Describe beta decay

The emission of a beta particle (an electron or a positron) from the nucleus. In \beta^- decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron. In \beta^+ decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron.

Describe gamma radiation

The emission of high-energy photons (gamma rays) from the nucleus. Gamma decay does not change the atomic number or the mass number of the nucleus.