Nuclear Radiation

Natural Radioactivity
Nuclear Equations
Producing Radioactive Isotopes
Half-Life
Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Subatomic Particles
Protons- plus charge
In the nucleus

Neutrons- neutral
Electrons - negative charge
Outside the nucleus
2

Radiation
Radiation comes from the nucleus of an
atom.
Unstable nucleus emits a particle or energy
alpha
beta
gamma
3

Alpha Particle
Same as a helium nucleus
(He)
4
2 He

or

Two protons

Two neutrons
4

Beta Particle
An electron emitted from the nucleus
0

e or

A neutron in the nucleus breaks down

1
1
0
n
H
+
e
0
1
-1
5

Gamma Radiation
Pure radiation
Like an X-ray but comes from the nucleus

Radiation Protection
Shielding
alpha paper, clothing
beta lab coat, gloves
gamma- lead, thick concrete
Limit time exposed
Keep distance from source

Radiation Protection

Balancing Nuclear Equations

In the reactants and products
Atomic numbers must balance
and
Mass numbers must balance

Alpha decay

10

Beta decay
234Th
90

234Pa
91

+ 0e
1

beta particle

11

Gamma radiation
No change in atomic or mass number
11B

11B

0
0

boron atom in a
high-energy state

12

Learning Check NR1

Write the nuclear equation for the beta
emitter Co-60.

13

Solution NR1
Write the nuclear equation for the
Beta emitter Co-60.
60Co

60Ni

27

28

0e
-1

14

Producing Radioactive
Isotopes
Bombardment of atoms produces
radioisotopes
= 60
59Co

= 60

+ 1n

27

= 27

cobalt
atom

56Mn

25

4H e
2

= 27

neutron

manganese alpha
radioisotope particle
15

Learning Check NR2

What radioactive isotope is produced in
the following bombardment of boron?
10B
5

+ 4He

? +

1n

16

Solution NR2
What radioactive isotope is produced in
the following bombardment of boron?
10B
5

+ 4He
2

13N
7

1n

nitrogen
radioisotope
17

Half-Life of a Radioisotope
The time for the radiation level to fall
(decay) to one-half its initial value

decay curve
initial
1
half-life

8 mg

4 mg

2 mg

1 mg
18

Examples of Half-Life
Isotope
C-15
Ra-224
Ra-223
I-125
C-14
U-235

Half life
2.4 sec
3.6 days
12 days
60 days
5700 years
710 000 000 years
19

Learning Check NR3

The half life of I-123 is 13 hr. How much
of a 64 mg sample of I-123 is left after
26 hours?

20

Solution NR3
t1/2

13 hrs

26 hours

2 x t1/2

Amount initial

64mg

Amount remaining = 64 mg x x
= 16 mg

21

Nuclear Fission
Fission
large nuclei break up
235U
92

+ 1n
0

139Ba
56

94Kr
36

+ 3 1n +

Energy

22

Fission

23

Nuclear Fusion
Fusion
small nuclei combine
2H
1

3H

4He

+ 1n +

Energy

Occurs in the sun and other stars

24

Learning Check NR4

Indicate if each of the following are
(1) Fission
(2) fusion
A.
B.
C.
D.

Nucleus splits
Large amounts of energy released
Small nuclei form larger nuclei
Hydrogen nuclei react

Energy

25

Solution NR4
Indicate if each of the following are
(1) Fission
(2) fusion
A.
B.
C.
D.

1
1+2
2
2

Nucleus splits
Large amounts of energy released
Small nuclei form larger nuclei
Hydrogen nuclei react
26