Radioactive Decay and Nuclear Chemistry

Key Particles in Nuclear Chemistry

• Alpha Particle
  • Mass: 4
  • Charge: 2
  • Equivalent to Helium nucleus
• Beta Particle
  • Mass: 0
  • Charge: -1
  • Equivalent to an electron
• Positron Particle
  • Mass: 0
  • Charge: +1
  • Anti-particle of an electron
• Proton
  • Mass: 1
  • Charge: 1
  • Much more massive than an electron
• Neutron
  • Mass: 1
  • Charge: 0
  • Neutral in charge
• Gamma Particle
  • Mass: 0
  • Charge: 0
  • High energy photon

Types of Radioactive Decay

1. Beta Decay

• Involves the production of beta particles (electrons)
• Mass remains constant
• Atomic number increases by 1 (increase in protons)
• Example: Nitrogen-13 decays to Oxygen-13 by emitting a beta particle.
• Process:
  • A neutron converts to a proton and an electron
  • Neutron number decreases, proton number increases, electron escapes

2. Positron Production

• Positron is emitted
• Results in a decrease in atomic number by 1 (decrease in protons)
• Example: Nitrogen-13 decays to Carbon-13 by emitting a positron.
• Process:
  • A proton converts to a neutron and a positron
  • Proton number decreases, neutron number increases

3. Electron Capture

• Nucleus captures an inner electron
• Atomic number decreases by 1 (loss of a proton)
• Example: Arsenic-73 captures an electron to become Germanium-73.
• Process:
  • A proton and an electron combine to form a neutron
  • Proton number decreases, neutron number increases

4. Alpha Particle Production

• Involves the emission of alpha particles
• Example: Element P with atomic number 84 decays to Lead (Pb) with atomic number 82 by emitting an alpha particle.
• Process:
  • Ensure the reaction is balanced by checking mass and charges

General Notes

• Always ensure that the mass numbers and charges are balanced on both sides of the nuclear equation.
• Understanding these types of decay is crucial for solving nuclear chemistry problems.

This summary provides an overview of key particles and types of decay important in nuclear chemistry. Understanding the changes in atomic structure helps in predicting the behavior of elements during radioactive decay.