Nuclear Chemistry
Identify decay types, solve half-life problems, and balance nuclear equations.
Common Questions
What are the main types of radioactive decay?
Alpha decay emits a helium nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons), reducing mass by 4 and atomic number by 2. Beta decay converts a neutron to a proton, emitting an electron and increasing atomic number by 1. Gamma decay emits high-energy photons with no change in mass or atomic number.
What is half-life?
Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay. After one half-life, 50% remains; after two, 25%; after three, 12.5%. The formula is: amount remaining = initial amount × (1/2)^(t/half-life).
How do you balance nuclear equations?
The sum of mass numbers (top) must be equal on both sides, and the sum of atomic numbers (bottom) must be equal on both sides. Identify the missing particle by finding the difference in mass number and atomic number.
What is the difference between fission and fusion?
Fission splits a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei (used in nuclear power plants). Fusion combines light nuclei into a heavier one (powers the sun). Both release enormous amounts of energy.