TOPIC: Radioactivity TOPIC: Radioactivity Do Now: Take out your notes from Monday, and get ready for an open notebook quiz
Not all isotopes are stable Stable isotopes have… 1:1 ratio of n 0 to p + (for elements <20) 1.5:1 ratio of n 0 to p + (for elements >20) To determine if an isotope is stable or unstable (radioactive) – compare the number of protons to neutrons
Beyond Element 83 are very unstable (radioactive) No amount neutrons can hold nucleus together once it has 83 + protons All Elements 83 and above on PT are radioactive Other elements may have radioactive isotopes applet
Radioisotopes- unstable nucleus – they are radioactive the nucleus of element emits radioactive particles and/or electromagnetic waves… by emitting these particles, nucleus changes into different element (it’s trying to become more stable)
Radioactive Decay Series Sometimes 1 change isn’t enough to achieve stability Some radioisotopes go through several changes before they achieve stability (and are no longer radioactive)
U-238 PB-206