What is it? Where does it come from? Radiation What is it? Where does it come from?

Radiation discovered Henri Becquerel discovered an invisible, penetrating radiation emitted spontaneously by Uranium. Pierre and Marie Curie discovered two other elements that emitted similar radiations. Polonium and Radium. Called the phenomenon "radioactivity". Now defined as the emission of electromagnetic radiation and/or particles from unstable nuclei

So, it is the unstable nucleus of an atom falling apart The bigger the nucleus, the greater the chance it will fall apart, which brings us to nuclear chemistry

Nuclear Stability Not all combinations of protons and neutrons are stable. To determine stability N/Z is examined, where N = neutrons and Z = protons. For small atomic numbers, the atom is stable if N/Z=1 For larger atomic numbers, the atom is stable if N/Z is closer to 1.5

Yellow area is stable. Are these stable?

So, since some nuclei are unstable, they will fall apart This leads to radioactive decay By emitting particles and/or energy, the nucleus can stabilize itself

Four main types of radiation Alpha radiation- does not penetrate the skin, emits positive charge (Helium nucleus), weakest type of radiation Beta radiation -penetrates the skin, emits negative charge(fast moving electron) Positron – penetrates the skin, it is the antiparticle of the electron Gamma radiation- emits high energy, penetrates the skin fully

These particles can either be captured or emitted If they are absorbed by the reactants, they are captured In other words, if they appear on the left side of the equation If they are given off the reactants, they are emitted In other words, if they appear on the right side of the equation

Youtube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mn-ssC1PQI&noredirect=1