nuclear equations

How many protons and neutrons does alpha have and how is it represented

• 2 protons and 2 neutrons

4

He - helium atom

2

What happens when an elements undergoes alpha decay

It loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons

Write the equation for the alpha decay of uranium

238 234 4

U —> Th + H

92 90. 2

Write the equation for the alpha decay of radium 226 (atoms atomic number is 88)

226 222 4

Ra —> Rn + He

88. 86. 2

What does beta decay involve

Beta decay involves a neutron turning into a proton and emitting a fast moving electron

What is beta represented as

Fast moving electron

0

e

-1

Why does the mass number of element decayed by beta stay the same in equation

Because it gains a proton and loses a neutron (cancels out) so total stays the same

Write the equation for the beta decay of carbon -14 with (atomic number of 6)

14 14 0

C —> N + e

6. 7. -1

Note for gamma radiation

• It’s pure energy

• Has no mass or charge

• So equation stays same

234 234

Th —> Th + (Gamma ray)

90 90

Note for neutron emission

9 8 1

Be —> Be + n

4. 4. 8