Radioactive Decay Types

Alpha (α): Emits ⁴₂He — mass number drops by 4, atomic number drops by 2.
Beta (β⁻): Emits ⁰₋₁e — neutron → proton, atomic number increases by 1.
Positron (β⁺): Emits ⁰₊₁e — proton → neutron, atomic number decreases by 1.
Gamma (γ): Emits energy only — no change in mass or atomic number.
Electron capture: Captures inner electron, proton → neutron, atomic number decreases by 1.

Half-Life

Formula: N = N₀ × (½)^(t/t½)
N₀ = initial amount, N = remaining amount, t = time elapsed, t½ = half-life
After 1 half-life: 50% remains. After 2: 25%. After 3: 12.5%.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Total mass numbers must be equal on both sides.
Total atomic numbers must be equal on both sides.

Nuclear Chemistry

Identify decay types, solve half-life problems, and balance nuclear equations.

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