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Nuclear Energy. Nuclear Reactions - when unstable isotopes gain stability by making changes in the nucleus. These changes are followed by large amounts of radiation energy. Radioisotopes -isotopes that have unstable nuclei. *Stability depends on ratio of neutrons to protons.
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Nuclear Reactions- when unstable isotopes gain stability by making changes in the nucleus. • These changes are followed by large amounts of radiation energy
Radioisotopes-isotopes that have unstable nuclei. • *Stability depends on ratio of neutrons to protons. • *TOO many Neutrons leads to unstable nuclei. • *Lose energy by giving off radiation during radioactive decay.
3 Types: • Alpha ()(42He)-Helium nucleus(2 protons +2 neutrons) is ejected from source • Beta ()( 0-1e)-fast moving electrons formed from decomposition of a neutron. • Gamma ()-Electromagnetic radiation
Alpha: • 23692U232 90Th + 42He • When you lose alpha particle, Atomic # lowered by 2 and massby 4
Beta: • 10n 1 1H + 0 -1e • neutron breaks into proton and electron. Electron ejected and proton stays in nucleus.
Gamma: • 23290Th 22888Ra + 42He + • 23290Th 23291Pa + 0-1e + • Gamma often emitted with alpha or Beta radiation.
Decay Series • A series of radioactive nuclides produced by successive radioactive decay until a stable nuclide is reached. • Parent nuclide- heaviest nuclide of each decay series • Daughter nuclide- nuclides produced by the decay of the parent nuclides