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

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. Alpha Decay
Parent Atom
Alpha particle
Daughter Isotope

5. Beta Decay
Parent Atom
Beta particle
Daughter Isotope

6. 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?

7. 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

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

9. 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

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