Nuclear Chemistry/ Radiation

• radiation = substance emits radioactive particles or waves

Types of Radiation:

1) Alpha (a) particle – high energy helium nucleus ⁴₂He

2) Beta (b) particle – high energy electron

n^o > p⁺ + e^–

3) Gamma (g) waves – electromagnetic photons

Natural Transmutations

• Radioactive decay = change in nucleus that produces radiation
• Transmutation = change one element into a different element
  • Alpha decay:  ex.   ²¹²₈₆Rn > ²⁰⁸₈₄Po + ⁴₂He
  • Beta decay:    ex.   ¹⁴₆C > ¹⁴₇N + e^–

William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing.

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