Radioactive Decay Radioactive Decay

Radioactive Decay: Some unstable atoms try to regain stability by losing energy. They lose energy by emitting radiation. These elements continue to undergo radioactive decay until they are stable Radioisotopes : Types of isotopes are capable of radioactive decay

Stable versus Unstable Stable: not likely to decay Unstable:  will decay eventually Different Isotopes have different degrees of stability Eg. Carbon-12 = Stable Carbon-13 = Stable Carbon-14 = Unstable All three are found in the human body

Three Types of Radiation Alpha Radiation: A stream of alpha particles Alpha Particles: positively charged atomic particles. The largest of the three types What is it made of: The alpha particle is made of the same particles as a helium atom (2 protons, 2 neutrons)

Equations for alpha decay

Equations where atoms lose alpha particles -

Three Types of Radiation Beta Radiation: Caused by the flow of beta particles Beta Particle: an electron During Beta Decay: A neutron becomes a proton and an electron. This proton stays in the nucleus while the electron leaves

Equations for beta decay p

p

Three Types of Radiation Gamma Radiation: Rays of high energy, short wavelength radiation. Has almost no charge and no mass. Gamma Decay: The redistribution of energy within the nucleus.

Equations for gamma decay