Nuclear Chemistry (Quiz vers.)

Nuclear Chemistry

Chemistry of the nucleus

Nucleus

Contains protons and neutrons

Atomic Mass Number (A)

the total number of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus

Atomic Number (Z)

Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is also the number of electrons outside the nucleus of an electrically neutral atom

Neutrons (N) =

N = A - Z

Isotopes

Atoms with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.

Isotopes of an element have the same atomic # but different mass #

Radioactvity

The spontaneous decay of unstable atomic nuclei with the emission of ionizing radiation

Radioactive decay

The release of any type of radium from an unstable process

Process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation

Alpha (a) particle or alpha radiation

Is a combination of two protons and two neutrons

it is identical to the helium ion that is 4HE2+

Characteristics of Alpha

• Large/heavy

• Postitive Charge

• Low penetration ability

  • stopped by paper or skin.

• Slow moving

Beta Radiation (B)

an electron emitted as a result of conversion of a neutron to a proton in certain atomic nuclei undergoing radioactive decay

neutrons turns into proton, releases beta particle (electron)

Characteristics of Beta

• Smaller than alpha

• Negative charge

• Relatively easy to stop

  • Stopped by paper/glass

Gamma Radiation (Y)

form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radioactive nuclei

(after beta/alpha, nucleus may have extra energy that is released through gamma radiation)

Characteristics of Gamma

• No mass

• No charge

• Extremely high energy

• Travel far

• Highly penetrating

  • Stopped by lead or thick concrete