Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay Nuclear Reactions Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay

The atom consists of two parts: 1. The nucleus which contains: protons neutrons 2. Orbiting electrons.

All matter is made up of elements (e.g. carbon, hydrogen, etc.). The Atom All matter is made up of elements (e.g. carbon, hydrogen, etc.). The smallest part of an element is called an atom. Atom of different elements contain different numbers of protons. The mass of an atom is almost entirely due to the number of protons and neutrons.

X A Z Mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons Element symbol Z Atomic number = number of protons

X A Z A = number of protons + number of neutrons Z = number of protons A – Z = number of neutrons Number of neutrons = Mass Number – Atomic Number

U U 235 92 238 92 There are many types of uranium: A Z Number of protons Number of neutrons A Z Number of protons Number of neutrons

U U 235 92 238 92 There are many types of uranium: A 235 Z 92 Number of protons Number of neutrons 143 A 238 Z 92 Number of protons Number of neutrons 146 Isotopes of any particular element contain the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons.

Most of the isotopes which occur naturally are stable. A few naturally occurring isotopes and all of the man-made isotopes are unstable. Unstable isotopes can become stable by releasing different types of particles. This process is called radioactive decay and the elements which undergo this process are called radioisotopes/radionuclides.

Radioactive decay results in the emission of either: an alpha particle (a), a beta particle (b), or a gamma ray(g).

An alpha particle is identical to that of a helium nucleus. Alpha Decay a An alpha particle is identical to that of a helium nucleus. It contains two protons and two neutrons.

So, how does an unstable atom break down into an alpha particle?

X Y + He a A Z A - 4 Z - 2 4 2 unstable atom alpha particle Alpha Decay a X A Z Y A - 4 Z - 2 + He 4 2 unstable atom alpha particle more stable atom

Alpha Decay Rn 222 86 He 4 2 Ra 226 88

Alpha Decay X A Z Y A - 4 Z - 2 + He 4 2 Ra 226 88 Rn 222 86 + He 4 2

Alpha Decay Rn 222 86 + Y A Z He 4 2 Rn 222 86 He 4 2 + Po 218 84

Alpha Decay X A Z + Th 230 90 He 4 2 He 4 2 U 234 92 + Th 230 90

Alpha Decay Th 230 90 + Y A Z He 4 2 He 4 2 + Ra 226 88 Th 230 90

Beta Decay b A beta particle is a fast moving electron which is emitted from the nucleus of an atom undergoing radioactive decay. Beta decay occurs when a neutron changes into a proton and an electron.

Beta Decay b As a result of beta decay, the nucleus has one less neutron, but one extra proton. The atomic number, Z, increases by 1 and the mass number, A, stays the same.

So, how does an unstable atom break down into a beta particle?

X Y + b A Z Z + 1 -1 unstable atom beta particle more stable atom Beta Decay X A Z Y Z + 1 + b -1 unstable atom beta particle more stable atom

Beta Decay b -1 At 218 85 Po 218 84

Beta Decay X A Z Y Z + 1 + b -1 Po 218 84 Rn 85 + b -1

Beta Decay Th 234 90 Y A Z + b -1 Th 234 90 Pa 91 + b -1

Beta Decay X A Z Pb 210 82 + b -1 Tl 210 81 Pb 82 + b -1

Beta Decay Bi 210 83 Y A Z + b -1 Bi 210 83 Po 84 + b -1

g Gamma rays are not charged particles like a and b particles. Gamma Decay g Gamma rays are not charged particles like a and b particles. Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation with high frequency. When atoms decay by emitting a or b particles to form a new atom, the nuclei of the new atom formed may still have too much energy to be completely stable. This excess energy is emitted as gamma rays (gamma ray photons have energies of ~ 1 x 10-12 J).

Alpha rays have a low penetrating power Alpha Decay Alpha rays have a low penetrating power Alpha rays can be shielded from penetration by paper or clothing

Beta rays have moderate penetrating power Beta Decay Beta rays have moderate penetrating power Beta rays can be shielded from penetration by metal foil or thin wood

Because gamma rays have no mass or electrical charge, Gamma Decay Because gamma rays have no mass or electrical charge, gamma radiation does not alter the atomic number or the mass number of the atom. Gamma rays are penetrating and dangerous Gamma rays can pass easily through paper, wood, and the human body. Gamma rays can be stopped by thick layers of lead or concrete.

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