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Chapter 4 Nuclear Chemistry. 4.2 Nuclear Equations. Alpha Decay. When a radioactive nucleus emits an alpha particle, a new nucleus forms that has a mass number 4 less than that of the initial nucleus an atomic number that has decreased by 2 from that of the initial nucleus.
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Chapter 4 Nuclear Chemistry 4.2 Nuclear Equations
Alpha Decay When a radioactive nucleus emits an alpha particle, a new nucleus forms that has • a mass number 4 less than that of the initial nucleus • an atomic number that has decreased by 2 from that of the initial nucleus
Completing Nuclear Equations In a completed nuclear equation, the • sum of the mass numbers of the unstable isotope and the products are equal • sum of the atomic numbers of the unstable isotope and the products are equal Sum of Mass Numbers 251 = 251 251Cf 247Cm+ 4He 98 96 2 98 = 98 Sum of Atomic Numbers
Equation for Alpha Decay Write an equation for the alpha decay of 222Rn. STEP 1Write the incomplete equation: STEP 2Determine the mass number:222 – 4 = 218 STEP 3Determine the atomic number: 86 – 2 = 84 STEP 4Determine the symbol of element:84 = Po STEP 5Complete the equation: 84 Po 85 At 86 Rn
Beta Decay A beta particle • is an electron emitted from the nucleus • forms when a neutron in the nucleus breaks down
Equation for a Beta Emitter STEP 1Write an equationfor the decay of K42 (potassium-42), a beta emitter. STEP 2Mass number:(same) = 42 STEP 3Atomic number: 19 + 1 = 20 STEP 4Symbol of element:20 = Ca STEP 5Complete the equation: 19 K 20 Ca
Learning Check Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of Co-60.
Solution beta particle
Positron Emission In positron emission, • a proton is converted to a neutron and a positron • the mass number of the new nucleus is the same, but the atomic number decreases by 1
Gamma Radiation In gamma radiation, • energy is emitted from an unstable nucleus, indicated by m following the mass number • the mass number and the atomic number of the new nucleus are for the same element
Producing Radioactive Isotopes Radioactive isotopes are produced • when a stable nucleus is converted to a radioactive nucleus by bombarding it with a small particle • in a process called transmutation
Learning Check What radioactive isotope is produced when a neutron bombards 59Co?
Solution Sum of mass numbers 60 = 60 27 = 27 Sum of atomic numbers