Nuclear Chemistry
By: Isabel Mendoza (:
The Nucleus
The center of an atom, it consists of
nucleons (protons & neutrons).
The radius of the nucleus is 100,000 times
smaller than the radius of the atom.
Isotopes
Different nuclei of the same element will all
have the same number of protons. The
number of neutrons can be different. The
element will have a different atomic mass.
Ex:
Fusion
Fusion occurs when small nuclei combine
into a larger nucleus.
Fission
Fission is the process in which a large
nucleus splits into a small nuclei. Fission
reactions release more neutrons, these
neutrons will allow other atoms to undergo
fission.
Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is a naturally occurring
spontaneous decay of certain nuclei
accompanied by the emission of specific
particles.
 Alpha Decay
 Beta Decay
 Gamma Decay
 Positron Emission
Alpha Decay
Alpha decay is the emission of an alpha
particle, which is a He-4 nucleus that has
2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Beta Decay
Beta decay is the emission of a beta
particle, which is an electron with the
symbol e- or β -. Beta radiation is more
penetrating than alpha radiation.
Gamma Decay
Gamma decay is the emission of gamma
rays, which are high energy protons. They
carry no charge and lower energy levels
without changing the mass number or
atomic number.
Positron Emission
Positron emission occurs when a positivelycharged particle is emitted. The positron
is given the symbol e+ or B+. During the
decay a proton splits into a positron and a
neutron.
Radioactive Decay Half-Life
The time it takes for half life of an atom to
decay.