1. Types of Radiation Alpha (  ) particle is two protons and two neutrons; lowest penetrating power. Beta (  - ) particle 0 e -1 is a high-energy electron. Gamma ray  is energy released from a nucleus. Highest penetrating power.

2. Alpha Decay Process  An unstable nucleus releases a Helium +2 nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons)  Usually occur in very large atoms (because they have larger nuclei)  Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper (very low penetrating power!)  Alpha particles are Highly ionizing particles  Most common use is in smoke detectors  Example of Alpha radioactive decay process: Sg  Rf + He 263 106 259 104 4242

3. Beta Decay Process Beta particle is an electron emitted from the nucleus. Forms when a neutron in the nucleus breaks down to form a proton and a high energy electron Can be stopped by a block of wood (Medium penetrating power) Used to treat cancers! Example of Beta radioactive decay process: 14 6 14 7 0 C  N + e

4. Gamma Decay Process Energy is emitted from an unstable nucleus. The release of energy helps stabilize the nucleus Gamma decay usually occurs along with other radioactive decay processes (like alpha decay) The mass number and the atomic number of the new nucleus are for the same element. Requires thick concrete walls to stop gamma particles (Highest penetrating power!!!) Common uses are long range scanners Example of gamma radioactive decay process Tc  Tc +  99m 43 99 43 0000

5. Nuclear Equations 60 Co  56 Mn + 4 He 27 25 2 He + __  C + n All the top numbers and bottom numbers add up to each other! (Law of conservation….) Also notice the bottom number tells you what the element is…….. It’s the atomic number 4242 __ 12 6 1010 Called nuclear equations since we use nuclear notation…

6. Steps to balancing a nuclear equation: 1.Write the incomplete nuclear equation(this is normally done for you) 2.The top numbers, mass numbers, should equal each other on each side of the arrow (reactant = products) 3.Bottom numbers, atomic number, should equal each other on each side of the arrow (reactant = products) 4.Determine the element symbol (based on atomic number) 5.Determine the type of radioactive decay process that describes the balanced equation (alpha, beta, gamma)