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Radioactive Elements

"Explore the world of radioactive elements and the fascinating process of radioactivity. Learn about decay rates, types of particles emitted, and the natural decay chain. Discover the significance of half-life measurements and different forms of radiation emitted. Unravel the mysteries of alpha, beta, and gamma particles and their properties. Delve into the power of nuclear reactions and applications in fields like carbon dating. Let's decode the complexities of radioactivity together!"

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Radioactive Elements

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  1. RadioactiveElements

  2. Radioactivity: An Imbalance of Forces in the Nucleus

  3. Radioactivity: An Imbalance of Forces in the Nucleus Strength of Force depends on distance !

  4. Radioactivity: An Imbalance of Forces in the Nucleus • Strength of force depends on distance • SO.. Larger nuclei are less stable • Strong force less effective in holding nucleus together • Electrical (repulsive) forces have greater impact • Elements DECAY(come apart) over time

  5. Radioactivity: Definition • Radioactivity: the process by which certain elements emit particular forms of radiation. • Radioactive: any element that emits any of these forms of radiation.

  6. Half Life: Measures Decay Rate • Half life refers to amount of time it takes for ½ of the radio active sample to decay • Half life for a particular isotope is always the same

  7. Half Life • Half life measures decay rate • Ex. Every1620 years ½ of a sample of radium-226 will have decayed. 1620 years 3240 years 6480 years Start

  8. Application: Carbon Dating

  9. Reaction in a Nuclear Reactor

  10. RadioactiveElements Part 2 Jan 9, 2014

  11. Different Ways to Decay –Types of Radioactive Particles Alpha Particles (α)– 2 protons and 2 neutrons Beta Particles (β)– split 1 neutron into 1 proton and 1 electron Gamma Particles (ɣ) – emits a photon

  12. Half-life: Exponential Decay

  13. Decay of 238U: Natural Decay Chain

  14. Decay of 238U: Natural Decay Chain • decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 4.5 billion years to thorium-234 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 24 days to protactinium-234 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 1.2 minutes to uranium-234 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 240 thousand years to thorium-230 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 77 thousand years to radium-226 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 1.6 thousand years to radon-222 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 3.8 days to polonium-218 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 3.1 minutes to lead-214 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 27 minutes to bismuth-214 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 20 minutes to polonium-214 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 160 microseconds to lead-210 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 22 years to bismuth-210 • which decays, through beta-emission, with a half-life of 5 days to polonium-210 • which decays, through alpha-emission, with a half-life of 140 days to lead-206, which is a stable nuclide.

  15. Types of Radioactive Particles Alpha Particles– 2 protons and 2 neutrons Beta Particles– split 1 neutron into 1 proton and 1 electron Gamma Particles– emits a photon

  16. Types of Radioactive Particles Alpha Particles– 2 protons and 2 neutrons • Lowest Energy • Still fast enough to do damage • Easily stopped • Relatively large size and mass • Large enough to do damage • Easily stopped • +2 Charge. • Tends to pick up electrons & convert to Helium

  17. Types of Radioactive Particles Alpha ParticlesEmits: 2 p + 2 nExample:Uranium-238  Thorium-234 + Helium-4

  18. Types of Radioactive Particles Beta Particles - 1 n  1 p + 1 e- (emits e-) • Higher Energy • Harder to stop than α particle • Becomes part of material when stopped • -1 Charge. • Proton joins nucleus • Electron (-1 charge) is emitted

  19. Types of Radioactive Particles Beta ParticlesLoses: 1 nGains: 1 pEmits: 1 e- Example: Thorium -234  Protactinium – 234 + electron

  20. Types of Radioactive Particles Gamma Particles– emits a photon • Highest Energy • Can do significant damage • Hard to stop • No charge • Doesn’t combine with other materials • No mass • Hard to stop

  21. Types of Radiation: Energy (Resistance to being stopped)

  22. Types of Radiation: Charges -1 +2 Neutral

  23. Types of Radiation: Charges +2 Neutral -1

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