Chemistry - Nuclear Decay

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