2. Radioactivity
This is the process by which unstable isotopes
emit material.
The instability in the atom is the result of an
unstable nucleus trying to become more stable.
A radioisotope is defines as the nuclei of an
unstable isotope
Example: C-14 radioactive dating process
3. Radiation
Is defined as the material and/ or energy that
are emitted from an unstable isotope.
Examples:
Alpha – this is a Helium ion He 4
2a
Beta – changes a neutron into a proton or a
proton into a neutron. 0
-1b
Gamma – is not a particle – it is energy (ray)
0
0g
4. Energy
In terms of the energy associated with each
type of radiation:
Increasing energy
a b g
Good news…………………………Bad news
5. Penetrating Ability
Depending upon its energy, different types of radiation
are stopped by different materials
a b g
Good News………………………Bad news
12. Alpha decay is not very penetrating
because the He atoms capture electrons
before traveling very far. However it is very
damaging because the alpha particles can
knock atoms off of molecules.
Alpha decay is the most common in
elements with an atomic number greater
than 83.
15. Beta negative decay is more penetrating than
alpha decay because the particles are smaller,
but less penetrating than gamma decay.
Beta electrons can penetrate through about one
(1) cm of flesh before they are brought to a halt
because of electrostatic forces.
Beta decay is most common in elements with a
high neutron to proton ratio.
20. 20
Fifth type of Radioactive Decay –
Electron Capture
Process in which one of the inner-
orbital electrons is captured by the
nucleus.
21. Electron capture follows the form:
21
In this reaction a nucleus captures one (1) of
its own atom's inner shell electrons which
reduces the atomic number by one.
This captured electron joins with a proton in
the nucleus to form a neutron.
Electron capture is common in larger
elements with a low neutron to proton ratio.
23. Bombardment reactions
These are reactions that result from the
addition of a particle to an isotope, which
results in the formation of a new
element/isotope and occasionally another
particle. Isotopes can be bombarded with
any of the following particles:
4
2a 0
-1b 0
0g 1
1p 1
0n
23
24. Bombardment reactions
Alpha bombardment
A
Z X + 4
2a A+4
Z+2 Y
Beta bombardment
A
Z X + 0
-1b A
Z-1 Y
Gamma bombardment
A
Z X + 0
0g Am
Z X
Proton bombardment
A
Z X + 1
1p A+1
Z+1 Y
Neutron bombardment
A
Z X + 1
0n A+1
Z X
24
25. 25
Concept Check Transformation
If the bombardment of Am-243 with alpha
particles leads to the emission of a neutron, which
nuclide is formed in this nuclear transformation
process?
247
97
247
96
248
96
246
97
a) Bk
b) Cm
c) Cm
d) Bk The correct answer is d. Since a neutron is
emitted, the mass number goes up by 3
(not 4) and the atomic number goes up by
2 (from 95 to 97).