Radioactive Decay, Radiation Types, and Nuclear Notation for Chemistry Students

Which elements have no stable isotopes?

All elements beyond Bismuth (#83).

What happens to unstable isotopes during decay?

They decay spontaneously at random, losing energy and emitting particles.

What is a 'Parent' nuclide transformed into during radioactive decay?

A 'Daughter' nuclide (element).

What is the symbol and particle for Alpha Decay?

Symbol: α | Particle: $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$

What are the energy and penetrative power of Alpha Decay?

Low energy and low penetrative power (cannot pass through materials easily).

What is the symbol and particle for Beta Decay?

Symbol: β | Particle: $^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$

What are the energy and penetrative power of Beta Decay?

High energy and medium penetrative power (can go through some materials).

What is the symbol and particle for Gamma Decay?

Symbol: γ | Particle: $^{0}_{0}\gamma$ (a photon of light, not actually a particle).

What are the characteristics of Gamma Decay?

High energy, high penetrative power, and usually accompanies other forms of decay.

What is the symbol and particle for Positron Production?

Symbol: β⁺ | Particle: $^{0}_{+1}\text{e}$

What are the characteristics of Positron Production?

Doesn't occur naturally; forms as a result of a nuclear reaction.

What is the symbol and process for Electron Capture?

Symbol: $^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$ | Process: An alternative to positron production where an electron combines with a proton to form a neutron.

How do you write a Proton in nuclear notation?

$$^{1}_{1}\text{H}$$

How do you write a Neutron in nuclear notation?

$$^{1}_{0}\text{n}$$