Introduction to Radioactive Decay and Particles

These flashcards cover key concepts related to radioactive decay, including the various particles involved and the different types of decay processes.

Alpha Particle

A particle with a mass of four and a charge of two, equivalent to the nucleus of a helium atom.

Beta Particle

A particle with a mass of zero and a charge of negative one, essentially an electron.

Positron

The anti-particle of an electron, with a mass of zero and a charge of positive one.

Proton

A subatomic particle with a mass of one and a charge of one.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle with a mass of one and a charge of zero.

Gamma Particle

A high-energy photon with no mass and no charge.

Beta Decay

A process where a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron, resulting in an increase in atomic number.

Positron Production

A reaction where a proton is converted into a neutron and a positron, resulting in a decrease in atomic number.

Electron Capture

A process where a nucleus captures an inner core electron, resulting in a decrease in atomic number and formation of a neutron.

Alpha Particle Production

A reaction where an alpha particle is emitted, resulting in a decrease of two in atomic number and four in mass.

Gamma Decay…

reduces the charge of a nucleus

Neutron Proton Ratio

Higher neutron-proton ratios can indicate instability. (>1)

Nuclear Fission

the process by which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy and neutrons.

Nuclear Fusion

the process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Subcritical

produces less than one neutron (not self sustaining) 

Critical

the point at which a nuclear reaction becomes self-sustaining, creating a balance of neutron production and absorption, allowing for a steady state of fission.

Supercritical

a state of a nuclear reaction where more than one neutron is produced per fission event (increasing rate of reaction and a release of vast amounts of energy).

Heavier atoms with a atomic number less than 84…

are considered stable and typically do not undergo radioactive decay.