Nuclear chemistry question.. (1 Viewer)

[ocatal]

Hey guys!

Just wanted to ask about nuclear radiation..
How can you tell whether a radioactive nucleus would emit alpha or beta particles? Is it just based on the heaviness or instability of the nucleus?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hayabusaboston]

Hey guys!

Just wanted to ask about nuclear radiation..
How can you tell whether a radioactive nucleus would emit alpha or beta particles? Is it just based on the heaviness or instability of the nucleus?

Thanks in advance!

Alpha emission occurs when the nucleus is too heavy (too many neutrons and protons), mainly for Z>83. Beta emission occurs when n ratio is too high. Some nuclei have a surplus of protons (n ratio is low), meaning they capture an inner shell electron and convert a proton to a neutron. You can also have positron emission when n ratio is too low.

Gamma radiation is a means of shedding excess energy when nuclear particles rearrange.

Btw dude, wrong thread to post in haha. Should have been under "chemistry" not "site support and feedback."

 

[ocatal]

Haha thanks for the answer!
Yeah just searched 'bos' on google and this was the first page that popped up. Woops lol
But thanks anyway

 

[hayabusaboston]

Haha thanks for the answer!
Yeah just searched 'bos' on google and this was the first page that popped up. Woops lol
But thanks anyway

Not a problem brah. Feel free to ask any more questions u need