1. Nuclear Chemistry Notes

2. Nuclear Chemistry deals with the nuclei of atoms breaking apart…thus the name NUCLEAR chemistry.

3. Radioactive Elements Elements 84-110 are radioactive.
Elements are man-made radioactive elements.
Since these man-made atoms are so big, they can be created by combining two smaller atoms together. The protons and neutrons combine into one large nucleus.

4. When studying nuclear chemistry, we use the standard symbol notation.
Nuclear Symbols
 When studying nuclear chemistry, we use the standard symbol notation. A X Z
X is the symbol for the atom
A is the mass number (protons + neutrons)
Z is the atomic number (protons)

5. Correct numbers are VITAL
in nuclear chemistry!

6. Stability of Atoms
Smaller atoms want to have close to the same number of protons and neutrons. This is when they are the most stable.
Large atoms with around 83 protons or more are so large that they too are unstable.
If atoms are too unstable, they will decompose, or radioactively decay, releasing different types of particles in order to become more stable.

7. Types of Radioactive Decay

8. Alpha Particle Production
Common for heavy radioactive nuclei (above atomic number 83)
Alpha particle is produced
Not very penetrating; cannot pierce skin; shielded by paper or clothing or

10. Beta Particle Production
Common for elements with high neutron to proton ratio
Beta particle produced
Beta particle is basically an electron (very little mass)
More penetrating than alpha; can get through 1 cm of flesh; may pass through clothing & damaged skin or

12. Gamma Ray High energy LIGHT; NOT a particle
Only change in nucleus is in amount of energy
Most penetrating of all; can pass through the body & cause damage shielded only by lead and/or concrete

14. Positron Production
Common for lighter elements with low neutron to proton ratio
Particle has same mass as electron but OPPOSITE CHARGE

16. Electron Capture
Common for larger elements with a low neutron to proton ratio
A nucleus captures one of its OWN electrons
Captured electron joins with a proton in the nucleus to form a neutron
Gamma rays are always produced with electron caputre

18. Now let’s PRACTICE!