Chapter 9 Nuclear Radiation
9.2
Nuclear Equations
Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Publishing as Benjamin Cummings
Alpha Decay
When a radioactive
nucleus emits an
alpha particle, a new
nucleus forms that has
a mass number that is
4 less than that of the
initial nucleus.
an atomic number that
is decreased by 2.
Balancing Nuclear Equations
In a balanced nuclear equation, the sum of the mass
numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers for the
nuclei of the reactant and the products must be
equal.
MASS NUMBERS
Total =
251
=
251
251Cf
247Cm +
4He
98
Total =
96
98
=
98
ATOMIC NUMBERS
Guide to Balancing a Nuclear Equation
Equation for Alpha Decay
Write an equation for the alpha decay of
STEP 1 Write the incomplete equation
222Rn
?s + 4He
86
222
Rn.
STEP 2 Determine the mass number
STEP 3 Determine the atomic number
222 4 = 218
86 2 =
STEP 4 Determine the symbol of element
84
84 = Po
STEP 5 Complete the equation
222
86
Rn
218
84
Po +
2
He
84
Po
85
At
86
Rn
He
Beta Decay
A beta particle
is an electron
emitted from the
nucleus.
forms when a
neutron in the
nucleus breaks
down.
1n
0e + 1H
0
-1
Writing An Equation for a Beta Emitter
STEP 1
Write an equation for the decay of
42Potassium,a beta
emitter.
42K
new nucleus + 0e
19
-1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Mass number :
(same)
Atomic number:
19 + 1
Symbol of element 20
STEP 5
42
19
42
20
Ca
+
-1
= 42
= 20
= Ca
e
e
-1
0
19
K
20
Ca
Learning Check
Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of 60Co.
Solution
60
Co
27
60
28
Ni
+ 0e
1
beta particle
Positron Emission
In position emission,
a proton is converted to a neutron and a positron.
1p
1n + 0e
1
+1
the mass number of the new nucleus is the same, but
the atomic number decreases by 1.
49
Mn
25
49
24
Cr +
+1
10
Gamma Radiation
In gamma radiation
energy is emitted from an unstable nucleus,
indicated by m following the mass number.
the mass number and the atomic number of the
new nucleus are the same.
99m
43
Tc
99
43
Tc +
11
Summary of Types of Radiation
Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Publishing as Benjamin Cummings
12
Summary of Types of Radiation
13
Summary of Changes in Mass and
Atomic Numbers
TABLE 9.4
14
Producing Radioactive Isotopes
Radioactive isotopes are produced
when a stable nucleus is converted to a radioactive
nucleus by bombarding it with a small particle.
in a process called transmutation.
15
Learning Check
What radioactive isotope is produced when a
neutron bombards 59Co?
59
27
Co
1
0
? +
He
16
Solution
mass numbers
60
=
60
59Co + 1n
56Mn +
4H e
27
27
25
=
27
atomic numbers
17
