nuclear chemistry

alpha decay

symbol 4/2He

mass number decreases by 4

atomic number decreases by 2

beta decay

symbol 0/-1 B

neutron —> proton

atomic number increases by one

mass number doesnt change

positron (B+ emission)

symbol= 0/+1 B

proton —> neutron

atomic number decreases by 1

electron capture

symbol = 0/-1B (reactant)

same effect as positron emission

atomic number decreases by 1

Gamma Emission

symbol = y

no change in mass or atomic number

releases energy only

how to balance equations

total mass numbers must match on both sides

total atomic numbers must match on both sides

identify missing particle

atomic number decreases by 2 and mass decreases by 4

alpha decay

atomic number increases by 1 and mass unchanged

beta (B^-) decay

atomic number decreases by 1 and mass unchanged

positron emission/electron capture

no change in A or Z

gamma emission

fusion

elements lighter than Fe (less than 26 mass) FUSION releases energy

fission

elements heavier than Fe FISSION releases energy

what is the most stable nucleus for nuclear binding energy

Fe

alpha

lowest penetration

blocked by paper, skin

beta

medium penetration

blocked by aluminum foil

gamma

highest penetration

blocked by lead, concrete

equations

(1/2)^n ; A_0(1/2)^t/t1/2