1. II. Nuclear (Radioactive) Decay
Nuclear Chemistry
II. Nuclear (Radioactive) Decay
What is actually emitted when an atom gives off “radiation”?
How does radiation change the nucleus?
Why are certain nuclides radioactive?
C. Johannesson

2. A. Types of Radiation 2+ 1- 1+ Alpha particle () helium nucleus
paper 2+
Beta particle (-)
electron 1-
lead
Positron (+)
positron 1+
concrete
Gamma ()
high-energy photon

3. B. Nuclear Decay Numbers must balance!! Alpha Emission parent nuclide
daughter
nuclide
alpha
particle
Numbers must balance!!
C. Johannesson

4. B. Nuclear Decay Beta Emission electron Positron Emission positron
C. Johannesson

5. B. Nuclear Decay Electron Capture electron Gamma Emission
Usually follows other types of decay.
Transmutation
One element becomes another.
C. Johannesson

6. B. Nuclear Decay Why nuclides decay…
need stable ratio of neutrons to protons