Unit 02: Nuclear Decay Equations

Unit 2: Nuclear Decay Equations

I know...

• the types of nuclear decay that can occur in an atom.​

​​Learning Target

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I can...

• solve nuclear decay equations​

​​Success Criteria

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Recall:​

​an element can become:

• an isotope

• a totally different element

after radioactive decay .​​​

Transmutation is the process of changing one element to a different element.

• Alpha decay: loss of two protons and neutrons

• Beta decay: a neutron becomes a proton, and an electron is lost

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Transmutation

Important Rule:

• the mass numbers and atomic numbers on each side of the arrow must be equal.

Alpha Decay

Practice Problem

Solve this alpha decay problem.

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Multiple Choice

Solve for the missing element.

Important Rule:

• the mass numbers and atomic numbers on each side of the arrow must be equal. PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEGATIVE SIGN ON THE BETA PARTICLE!!!

Beta Decay

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Practice Problem

Solve this beta decay problem

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Important Rule:

• the mass numbers and atomic numbers on each side of the arrow must be equal. If you have a gamma wave the element does not change!!!

Gamma Decay

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Practice Problem

Solve this gamma decay problem

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Multiple Choice

Solve for the missing element.

Let's Practice Some More