1. Alchemy Investigation IV-Lesson 2
It’s Greek to Me
Alchemy
Investigation IV-Lesson 2

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Types of Decay There are 2 types of decay you will learn about today.
Alpha decay
Beta decay

5. Alpha Decay
Alpha particle
Daughter Isotope
Parent Atom

6. Beta Decay
Beta particle
Daughter Isotope
Parent Atom

7. The Activity
You will be looking at two types of radioactive decay-alpha decay and beta decay. Fill in the table below and then use it to help you figure out what is happening during each type of decay.

8. 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?

9. Alpha Decay Notes
Alpha decay is a form of nuclear decay-radioactivity.
An Alpha particle is a Helium atom.
During alpha decay:
Two protons are lost
Two neutrons are lost

10. Beta Decay Notes
During Beta Decay, a neutron inside the nucleus of the atom changed into an electron and a proton.
The proton stays inside the nucleus and the electron is emitted.

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

12. More Practice!
Complete the following reactions AND identify whether it is alpha or beta decay: a. b.