3. The three major types of radioactive decay of an unstable nucleus are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Compare and contrast alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Explain how alpha decay works and how it causes transmutations.
Explain how beta decay works and how it causes transmutations.
Compare the transmutations caused by alpha and beta emissions.
Good evening Sam. I see no sense in writing all of this down for you when you can read all about it by Googling what you want to know. Basically, alpha particles are He nuclei (2 protons and 2 neutrons). beta particles are electrons with a -1 charge, and gamma rays are waves of high energy. I will answer specific questions that you may have and don't understand but most anything you want is on the web.
To compare and contrast alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays in terms of their properties and behavior during radioactive decay:
1. Alpha particles:
- An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons, which form a helium nucleus.
- It has a positive charge (+2) and a mass of 4 atomic mass units (AMU).
- Alpha particles are relatively large and heavy compared to other forms of radioactive radiation.
- They have low penetration power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.
- Alpha decay occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle, reducing its atomic number by 2 and its mass number by 4.
2. Beta particles:
- Beta particles are either electrons (β-) or positrons (β+).
- Electrons have a negative charge (-1) and a very small mass.
- Positrons have a positive charge (+1) and the same mass as electrons.
- Beta particles are much smaller and lighter than alpha particles.
- They have moderate penetration power and can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic.
- Beta decay occurs when a nucleus undergoes a transformation where a neutron is converted into a proton (β-) or a proton is converted into a neutron (β+), resulting in a change in atomic number while keeping the mass number the same.
3. Gamma rays:
- Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays but with higher energy and shorter wavelengths.
- They have no charge and no mass.
- Gamma rays are highly penetrating and require several centimeters of lead or several meters of concrete to be stopped.
- Gamma radiation often accompanies alpha and beta decay, representing the excess energy released during nuclear transformations.
- Gamma rays do not cause transmutations on their own but can lead to ionization and other chemical changes in matter.
Now, let's explain how alpha and beta decay cause transmutations:
Alpha decay:
- During alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) from its nucleus.
- This emission reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4 because two protons and two neutrons are lost.
- This transmutation changes the identity of the atom since the atomic number determines the element.
- For example, when Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay, it transforms into Thorium-234.
Beta decay:
- Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa, accompanied by the emission of a beta particle (electron or positron).
- In beta-minus decay (β-), a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. The atomic number increases by 1.
- In beta-plus decay (β+), a proton becomes a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino. The atomic number decreases by 1.
- These transmutations change the element's atomic number and can lead to the formation of a different isotope or a different element altogether.
In summary, alpha decay involves the emission of alpha particles (helium nuclei) that reduce both atomic number and mass number. Beta decay involves the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons) resulting in a change of atomic number while keeping the mass number constant. Both types of decay cause transmutations, changing the identity of the atom or producing a different isotope. Gamma rays, on the other hand, do not cause transmutations directly but accompany alpha and beta decay, representing excess energy released during those processes.