Nuclear Chem 3.4 and 23.1

For Student in Mrs. Hunter's Honors Chem

Radioactivity

The process in which some substances spontaneously emit radiation

Radiation

The rays and particles emitted by radioactive material

Nuclear reaction

Involves change in atom's nucleus. Atoms undergo changes and alter their identities

Radioactive Decay

Spontaneous process in which unstable nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation

Alpha particle

Helium 4 nucleus 4 2 He

Beta particle

Electron 0 -1E

Gamma Radiation

High energy photon that accompanies alpha or beta radiation

Nuclear Radiation

Radiation emitted during nuclear reactions

Roentgen

He discovered invisible rays caused photographic plates to darken (X-rays)

Becquerel

He discovered that some minerals emit light after being exposed to sunlight (phosphorescence)

Nuclear Change

Nuclei combine, split, and emit radiation; can involve protons, neutrons, electrons; large energy changes; atoms of an element converted into atoms of another element; unaffected by temperature, pressure, catalyst; can't control

Chemical Change

Bonds broken and formed; involve only valence electrons; atoms keep identity but form new substance; temperature, pressure, and catalyst can be controlled