Nuclear Equations for Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiation

Alpha Radiation

• Alpha Particles: Consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (like the nucleus of a helium atom).
  • Represented as Helium-4 (4^2He) or sometimes by the Greek letter α (alpha).
• Alpha Decay: An unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, losing 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
  • Example: Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay:
    • Original: Uranium-238 (mass number = 238, atomic number = 92).
    • Decay Product: Thorium-234 (mass number = 234, atomic number = 90 + alpha particle (4^2He)).
    • Equation: 238^92U → 234^90Th + 4^2He

Beta Radiation

• Beta Particles: Emitted as fast-moving electrons when a neutron turns into a proton.
  • Represented by the Greek letter β (beta) with a charge of -1 and virtually no mass.
  • Example: Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay:
    • Original: Carbon-14 (mass number = 14, atomic number = 6).
    • Decay Product: Nitrogen-14 (mass number = 14, atomic number = 7 + beta particle (0^-1β)).
    • Equation: 14^6C → 14^7N + 0^-1β

Gamma Radiation

• Gamma Radiation: Pure energy, no mass or charge.
  • Represented by the Greek letter γ (gamma).
  • Example: Thorium-234 undergoing gamma decay:
    • Original: Thorium-234 (mass number and atomic number remain the same).
    • Equation: 234^90Th → 234^90Th + γ

Neutron Emission

• Neutron Emission: Loss of a neutron from the nucleus.
  • Example: Beryllium-9 undergoes neutron emission:
    • Original: Beryllium-9 (mass number = 9, atomic number = 4).
    • Decay Product: Beryllium-8 (mass number = 8, atomic number = 4).
    • Equation: 9^4Be → 8^4Be + n