Nuclear Equations

Balancing Nuclear Equations

• Sum of top numbers on the left must equal sum of top numbers on right.
• ·        Same thing for bottom numbers. 

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Alpha Decay ( )

• Large isotopes that need to decrease their size tend to decay by alpha emission. 
• An alpha particle can be described as a helium nucleus.
•  It is 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

 

See discussion at http://web.fccj.org/~smilczan/psc/nukeq.html

If we know that Radium 226 is an alpha emitter, we can figure out the other product:.

Top:   226=222+4        Bottom:  88= 86 + 2

The element radon is the only element with atomic number 86.

Beta Decay  ( )

• Occurs if there are too many neutrons.
• A neutron to proton conversion occurs.  This releases an electron or beta particle. 
• Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay to the stable nitrogen-14 isotope.

_{-> +}

See discussion at  http://web.fccj.org/~smilczan/psc/nukbeta.html

If we know that carbon 14 is a beta emitter, we can figure out what the other product will be.

Top:       14=14+0                                             Bottom:  6= 7-1

The element nitrogen is the only element with atomic number 7.

For a more complete discussion of nuclear reactions

http://www.dallassd.com/our%20schools/high%20School/Chemsite/nucleareqns/index.html