Types of Radiation: Videos & Practice Problems

The main types of nuclear reactions are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma emission. In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), reducing its atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4. In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) and an antineutrino or neutrino. Gamma emission involves the release of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, without changing the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus. These reactions result in the transformation of one element into another, unlike typical chemical reactions that maintain element identities.

Ernest Rutherford was a British physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear chemistry. He is best known for his experiments that led to the discovery of the nucleus and the development of the nuclear model of the atom. Rutherford's work in nuclear reactions, particularly his identification of alpha and beta particles, laid the foundation for understanding radioactive decay processes. In honor of his contributions, element 104 was named Rutherfordium. His research fundamentally changed our understanding of atomic structure and the nature of nuclear reactions.

Alpha, beta, and gamma emissions differ in the particles they emit and their effects on the nucleus. In alpha emission, the nucleus releases an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. Beta emission involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron or positron) and a neutrino or antineutrino, increasing the atomic number by 1 without changing the mass number. Gamma emission releases high-energy photons (gamma rays) without altering the number of protons or neutrons, thus not changing the atomic or mass numbers. These emissions result in different transformations of the original element.

In nuclear reactions, the term 'decay' refers to the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This emission can be in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. When a nucleus decays, it transforms into a different element or a different isotope of the same element. The term 'decay' indicates that the radioactive particle is a product of the reaction. Understanding decay is crucial for comprehending how elements change and the nature of radioactive materials.

During a nuclear reaction that changes one element into another, the number of protons in the nucleus is altered. This process, known as transmutation, can occur through various types of nuclear reactions such as alpha decay, beta decay, or gamma emission. For example, in alpha decay, the emission of an alpha particle reduces the atomic number by 2, transforming the element into a different one. In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1. These changes in the number of protons result in the formation of a new element with different chemical properties.