Radioactivity

Radioactivity- the spontanoeous emission of radiation from a substance

The radiation voming off of a radioactive substance

alpha particles

groups of two protons and two neutrons stuck together. same as the nucleus of a helium atom
they carry a double negative charge
emitted from an unstable nucleuss of a radioactive element
travel slowly. have low penetrating power
example- americium-241, commonly used in smoke detectors

beta particles

fast moving electrons
a beta particle isformed when a neutron in an unstable nucleus is changed into a proton and an neutron
neutron - proton+electron
travel fast and have more power
example- carbon- 14,usedfor carbon dating

gamma radiation

high energy electronmagnetic radiation. similar to x-rays and travels at the speed of light
since it does not consist of charged particles, it os mot deflected in electric of magnetic fields
gamma rays are omly stopped by a thick slab of lead.
example- cobalt-60, used to kill cancerous tissue and treat patients

nuclear reactions

a nuclear reaction is a process that alters the composition, structure or energy of an atomic nucleus.
differences between nuclear and chemical reactions:
chemical reactions
1. involves electrons rather than nucleus
2. no new element is found
3. no release of nuclear radiation
4. chemical bods broken and formed
  nuclear reactions
  1. changes take place in the nucleus
  2. a new element is formed
  3. nuclear radiation is released
  4. no chdmicsl bonding

the changing of one element into another element is called transmutation

half life