Nuclear Reaction Flashcards
What is a chemical element?
(from nuclear reactions)
A specific type of atom with the same charge on the neucleus
What do properties of chemical elements and simple/complex substances rely on?
The charge of the nucleus atoms of these elements
What are nuclear reactions?
Changes made in the nucleus as a result of interaction with elementary particles and each other
What are the 4 main process between protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom?
- The fall of an electron
2.Positron Capture
3.Positron Decay
4.Electronic Decay
What causes the Fall of an Electron?
Occurs as a result of absorption of an electron into the nucleus, where it reacts with a proton to form a neutron.
It leads to the decrease of the positive charge for one unit
P1 + B1- = 1n
What is Positron Capture?
Formation of a proton from a neutron.
Mass doesnt change but charge increases by one unit
1n + B1 = 1P1
What is Positron Decay?
Process of transition of a proton into a neutron. Leads to decrease of charge by one unit, but mass remaints consistent.
1P1 + 1n = B1
What is Electron Decay?
Process of converting a neutron in the nucleus into a proton.
1n= 1P1 + B-1
What is “a” radiation (α-particle)
Stream of a-particles, which are nuclei helium atoms. These particles have strong ionizing properties and can overcome metal barriers less than 0.01 mm thick
What is B-radiation (β-particle)?
Stream of electrons with a negative charge. Overcomes metal barriers with thickness 0.01mm
What is y-radiation?
High electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays.
Pass through barriers of thickness 1m.
Do not affect chemical elements, nor the mass.
What are the main types of radioactive decay?
α-decay,β- and β+ decay
What happens in α-decay?
The atomic number of the element decreases by 2.
What happens during β-decay?
Nuclear charge increases by one, mass remains constant.
What happens during β+decay?
Nuclear charge decrease by one unit, mass remains the same.
This reaction goes with the formation of positron.
