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THE NUCLEUS Inside the nucleus there are:
ProtonsNeutrons
The nucleus is held together by the strong nucleus force.
THE NUCLEUS The nucleus is not always
stable! The number of protons and
neutrons can influence the stability of the nucleus. Usually a 1:1 ratio is stable. More than this is unstable
Certain isotopes of elements are said to be unstable, and as a result they break down radioactive. All elements with an atomic
number above 82 have at least one radioactive isotope.
RADIOACTIVITY There are three major types
of radioactivity:
Composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
A helium nucleus
Made of a single negative charge
Basically an electron
High energy photon No mass
Alpha particles lost: A nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 electrons This produces a loose alpha particle and an atom that
is “lighter” with an atomic number lower by two and an atomic mass lower by 4 amus.
TYPES OF RADIOACTIVITY
TYPES OF RADIOACTIVITY Beta particles lost:
A neutron is made up smaller particles In radioactive isotopes sometimes a neutron
will spontaneously break apart, releasing a beta particle (electron).
What remains is a proton
The neutron breaks apart into a proton and an electron.
The electron is released from the nucleus and the proton stays.
TYPES OF RADIOACTIVITY Gamma Rays:
The most penetrating and high energy type of radioactivity.
Large amounts of photon energy is released The nucleus is unchanged in numbers of protons and
neutrons, but becomes more stable.
STRENGTH OF RADIOACTIVITY
Alpha particles are the most heavy but least penetrating.
Gamma rays are pure energy, have no mass, but are the most penetrating.
1. Fission: This occurs when a radioactive nucleus splits to form two smaller, more stable nuclei
This can lead to dangerous chain reactions!
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
1. FISSION: NUCLEAR REACTORS AND BOMBS
A common source of Uranium-235 is used as a fuel in nuclear reactions.
It undergoes a number of reactions to release a great deal of energy, which in a reactor is harvested and used for power.
1. FISSION: NUCLEAR REACTORS AND BOMBS
Another common source of fuel is Uranium-238
The end result of all of the reactions is a stable isotope of lead!
NUCLEAR REACTIONS 2. Fusion: This type of reaction involves
two small nuclei coming together to form a larger nuclei.
This is how the sun works