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Nuclear Decay
The process of unstable nuclei emit radiation to become more stable
What is the symbol of Alpha Decay?
a
What are alpha particles made of?
Two protons and two neutrons (helium nucleus)
What is the mass of alpha particles?
4
What is the equation of alpha decay?
4/2 He
What can alpha particles be stopped by?
A piece of paper
What is the symbol of beta decay?
B
What is beta particles made of?
A electron emitted from the nucleus
What is the mass of beta?
0
What is the equation of beta decay?
0/-1 B
What can beta particles be stopped by?
Aluminum
What is the symbol of gamma decay?
Y
What is gamma made of?
Gamma rays (photons)
What is the mass of gamma decay?
0
What is the equation of gamma decay?
0/0 Y
What can gamma particles be stopped by?
Can ONLY be stopped by a thick block of lead
What is the n/p ratio?
Ratio of neutrons to protons determining stability
What range in band of stability is considered stable?
1-1.5
What is fission?
Splitting of atoms into smaller nuclei
Example of fission in universe
Atomic bomb, Nuclear power
How much energy is required for fission?
Some energy
How much energy is released in the process of fission?
1 million times of a chemical reaction
What is fusion?
Combining two small nuclei into a bigger atom
Example of fusion in the universe
Stars (sun)
How much energy is required for fusion?
More energy/high energy
How much energy is released in the process of fusion?
3-4 times million of a chemical reaction
Stages of a star
Nebula → Protostar → Main Sequence →Red Giant/Supergiant → Planetary Nebula/Supernova → White Dwarf/Black Dwarf/Neutron star/Black Hole
Key Element in the creation of a supernova
Iron
Location where atoms originate
Stars, supernova, Big Bang
Reaction in a star
2/1 H + 2/1 H → 4/2 He + energy
