Nuclear Decay & Transmutation

Transmutation

• Changing into another element through

radioactive decay

emits an alpha particle (atom made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons – helium)

Loses energy quickly Least penetrating radiation Can be stopped by a sheet of paper Can cause radiation burns Used in smoke detectors, pacemakers, static eliminators

Makes atomic number become 2 less and mass number become 4 less

Alpha Decay

• Radiation through the loss of 2p + 2n or

(helium)

Question 3a

Balance the nuclear equation after alpha
decay

Question 3a

Balance the nuclear equation after alpha
decay

neutron decays into a proton and emits an electron (Beta particle)

Caused by a weak force

Much faster and more penetrating

Stopped by sheet of aluminum foil

Can cause radiation burns and some cell damage

Used to treat eye and bone cancer, quality control in paper making

Makes atomic number increase

by 1 and mass number stays the same

Beta Decay

• Radiation where a neutron splits, giving off

an electron and becoming a proton in the
new element

Question 3b

Balance the nuclear equation after beta decay

Remember in beta decay a neutron changes into a proton by giving off an
electron

Question 3b

Balance the nuclear equation after beta decay

Remember in beta decay a neutron changes into a proton by giving off an
electron

Transmutation Practice

Complete "Decay & Transmutation Practice" in your Guided Notes!