The document discusses radioactive decay and nuclear chemistry. It defines radioactive decay as the spontaneous disintegration of a radionuclide accompanied by the emission of ionizing radiation such as alpha or beta particles or gamma rays. It notes that radioactive decay changes an unstable element into a stable element. The document also discusses alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and provides examples of nuclear notation used to represent radioactive decay.

1. Nuclear Chemistry and
Radioactive Decay
By Christa Ross
OECS 110 A70
Final Project

2. Brief Introduction
In nuclear chemistry, radioactive decay is the
spontaneous disintegration of a radionuclide
accompanied by the emission of ionizing radiation by
alpha or beta particles or gamma rays.
It is the changing of an unstable element (natural or
isomer) to a stable element (natural or isomer).

3. Notation
Nuclear notations are used to represent the
decay of one element into another.
The formula for a radioactive element is:
Mass Number
Atomic Number X
The atomic number and the atomic
symbol (shown here as X) can be
found in the periodic table.

4. Alpha Decay
Alpha decay (α) occurs when the nucleus has
too many protons, causing excessive repulsion.
A Helium nucleus is emitted, stabilizing the
nucleus.
263 259 4
Sg Rf + He
106 104 2
This can also be
This is the new atomic number written as: 4
and can be found in the periodic α
2
table.

5. Beta Decay

6. Gamma Decay

7. Conclusion
Radioactive decay is an important topic in
nuclear chemistry. It helps to understand
everything from X-rays to Nuclear Energy.
For further information on this interesting topic,
visit the Three Types of Radioactive Decay
Webpage or go here for an awesome song.

8. Resources
“Periodic Table.” (2012). Retrieved 9 May 2012 from http://www.ptable.com/
“Radioactive Decay.” (2012). Retrieved 5 May 2012 from
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch23/modes.
php#beta
“Three Types of Radioactive Decay.” (2012). Retrieved 6 May 2012 from
http://library.thinkquest.org/3471/radiation_types_body.html
Tro, Nivaldo. Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (1st ed.).
Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print.