How does alpha, beta, gamma, positron emission or electron capture affect a nucleus?
Nuclear Chemistry
Objectives:
- Identify the differences between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions.
- Identify the concept of radioactive decay.
- Identify the nuclear changes associated with alpha, beta or gamma decay.
- Write the products of nuclear reactions involving alpha, beta or gamma emissions.
- Explain the concept of half-lives and complete half-life calculations.
Not all atoms are stable. When atoms are born in a nuclear reactor, whether it be the heart of a star or a power plant, a portion of them are radioactive and are referred to as radioisotopes. Theseradioisotopes break down over time, releasing energy and transforming into more stable forms in processes known as radioactive decay. Depending upon the specific radioisotope, this process can be near instantaneous or take trillions of years.
In this lab, you will explore radioactive decay as you learn about various types of radioactivity and half-life.
Complete Table 1 below using the textbook, slides, and other course resources.
Table 1:
| Type of radiation | Give 1 example of each type. |
| Ionizing | |
| Non-ionizing | |
| electromagnetic | |
| particulate |
Exploration 1: How does alpha, beta, gamma, positron emission or electron capture affect a nucleus?
