Nuclear Chemistry

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What is Nuclear Chemistry?

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Nuclear Chemistry is the study of the chemical and physical properties of elements as influenced by changes in the structure of the nucleus.

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What is a nuclear reaction?

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A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei, or a nucleus and a subatomic particle, collide to produce different products than the initial particles.

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What is radioactivity?

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Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles or radiation from the unstable nucleus of an atom.

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What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

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The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

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What is an alpha particle?

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An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium-4 nucleus.

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What is beta decay?

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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

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What is gamma radiation?

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Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom.

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What is half-life?

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Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

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What is a chain reaction?

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A chain reaction is a series of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to occur.

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What is electron capture?

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Electron capture is a process in which an electron is captured by the nucleus of an atom, leading to a decrease in atomic number.