Alpha and Beta Nuclear Reactions It’s Greek to Me Alpha and Beta Nuclear Reactions

ChemCatalyst Uranium-238 is used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. In the nuclear reactor, uranium-238 changes to lead-209. How can atoms of uranium-238 change into atoms of lead-209? The nuclear reaction is initiated by colliding the uranium-238 with . What do you think this symbol represents? neutron

Nuclear Reactions When the nucleus of an atom is unstable, it will spontaneously decay and the nucleus will emit particles. A change like this in the nucleus of an atom is called a nuclear reaction.

Alpha Decay Parent Atom Alpha particle Daughter Isotope

Beta Decay Parent Atom Beta particle Daughter Isotope

Post-Activity Questions What is an alpha particle? Where do you think the electron comes from in beta decay? What do you think is happening in this equation?

Types of Decay 2 types of nuclear decay to know: Alpha decay Beta decay Nuclear: occurs in the nucleus (protons and neutrons) Decay: break down

Alpha Decay Notes An alpha particle is a helium atom: During alpha decay: Two protons are lost Two neutrons are lost

Beta Decay Notes A neutron inside the nucleus of the atom changes into an electron and a proton. The proton stays inside the nucleus and the electron is emitted. During beta decay: One neutron is lost One proton is added

Check-In What products do you expect if an atom of actinium-227 undergoes alpha decay?