1. Nuclear Chemistry
Chemistry
Ms.Piela

2. Nuclear Chemistry
Radioactivity is the process of particles being emitted from a nucleus as a result of nuclear instability
Any atomic numbers greater than 83 are unstable
Examples: Uranium, Plutonium
Half-life is the amount of time required for a decaying substance to lose half of its original amount

3. 3 Main Types of Radioactive Decay
Beta Decay
Alpha Decay
Gamma Decay

4. Beta Decay Type of decay in which an electron is emitted
Symbol:
A neutron decomposes into a proton, an electron, and something known as an antineutrino
Moderate penetrating power (4 mm of body tissue)
Example:

5. Alpha Decay Type of decay in which a helium nucleus is emitted Symbol:
Heaviest form of nuclear decay
Low penetrating power (0.5 mm body tissue)
Example:

6. Gamma Decay
Type of decay in which large amount of energy are emitted from a nucleus
Symbol: 
Often emitted along with alpha or beta particles
No mass or charge
Very high penetrating power (penetrates body easily, requires metal to block

7. Nuclear Changes
Nuclear Fission is when the nucleus of an atom splits in order to form a more stable nucleus

8. Nuclear Changes
Nuclear fusion is the combining of smaller nuclei into larger ones

10. Writing Nuclear Equations
Method
Balance out atomic number and mass number for each side
The total for mass number and atomic number should be equal
Example Problem #1
Write a balanced nuclear equation that shows the alpha decay of polonium-218

11. Nuclear Equation Example
Example Problem #2
Uranium-238  isotope undergoes beta decay and also emits gamma rays. Express this in an equation