MAJOR TYPES OF NUCLEAR DECAY

We learned that some Isotopes are UNSTABLE. For example, Carbon has 2 isotopes, Carbon 12 (6 protons and 6 neutrons) but Carbon 14 (6 protons and 8 neutrons) is UNSTABLE. Carbon 14 decays and gives off stuff. Uranium isotopes are VERY unstable. This one gives off so much stuff you can see the visible yellow light.

• The visible yellow light is evidence of the nucleus throwing off particles from inside the nucleus (called nuclear decay)

• The visible yellow light is evidence that the Uranium rock is sad

• The visible yellow light is evidence that the Uranium rock is ashamed of itself

• The visible yellow light is evidence that Uranium has mood swings.

Are you enjoying the video lesson?

• Yes

• No

Alpha Radiation: Look at the picture showing an example of alpha radiation. The Uranium has too many "particles" in its nucleus. It gives off an alpha particle. The alpha particle is 2 protons. But holding those 2 protons together is 2 neutrons. What is 2 protons and an atomic weight of 4?

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Alpha radiation is heavy and it can be stopped by PAPER. Beta radiation is lighter and it can be stopped by

• Al Bundy

• Al Roper

• Aluminum

• Alfalfa

This is beta radiation. Its pretty weird and pretty amazing. Look at the equation. Carbon 14 is unstable. What is happening in the equation.

• Carbon 14 is turning into Nitrogen. Wow! One substance is turning into another. That is cool!!!

• Carbon 14 is having an arrow taken out of its poor heart

• Carbon 14 has found the road to Disneyland

• Carbon 14 is pointing to stuff

Carbon 14 is turning into Nitrogen. Nitrogen has 1 more proton that Carbon. How does that happen? One neutron inside carbon is turning into one proton and the other neutron is turning into an electron. That electron is the beta particle. Beta particles are dangerous radiation but it can be stopped by

• 1. Al Bundy

• Alfalfa

• Al Roper

• Aluminum

Gamma Radiation is NOT a particle. It is pure energy

• True

• False

Gamma radiation is the most dangerous. It penetrates (goes through) PAPER, ALUMINUM and is only stopped by

• Gummy Bears

• Popcorn

• Lead

• Soup

When you go to the Dentist office and the dentist takes an X-RAY, Do you notice the dentist gives you a very heavy shield to wear to cover your chest and throat. Even though it is protecting you against X Rays, it is very similar to protecting you from gamma rays. That shield is made of:

• cookies

• paper towels

• bricks

• LEAD

The three types of radiation from unstable nuclei are

• ALFALFA, BETA, GAMMA

• ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA

• ALFALFA, BETAL JUICE, GAMMA

• AL ROPER, BETA, GAMMA