Radioactivity
Definition of Radioactivity
Radioactivity is a natural process through which unstable atomic nuclei undergo spontaneous
transformations, emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves . This emis-
sion occurs in an attempt to achieve a more stable configuration .
Different Modes
There are three primary modes of radioactivity:
◼ Alpha Decay:
In alpha decay, an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two
neutrons (essentially a helium-4 nucleus). This process reduces the original nucleus’s atomic
number and mass.
Here are four examples of atoms that undergo alpha decay, along with their balanced decay
equations:
◼ Beta Decay:
Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa, accompanied by
the emission of a beta particle (an electron in beta-minus decay or a positron in beta-plus decay).
This alters the atomic number while maintaining the mass number.
Here are four examples of atoms that undergo beta decay, along with their balanced decay equations:
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◼ Gamma Decay:
Gamma decay involves the emission of high-energy gamma radiation, without changing the atomic
or mass number. It often accompanies alpha or beta decay to release excess energy.
Here are four examples of atoms that undergo gamma decay:
Nuclear band of Stability
The band of stability represents a region on the graph of neutron number (N) vs atomic number (Z)
where stable nuclides lie. Nuclides within this band have a balanced ratio of neutrons to protons,
optimizing stability. Nuclides outside this band undergo radioactive decay to achieve stability.
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Interpreting the Graph
The graph shows two straight lines .
◼ The red line shows the trend for nuclides with an n:p ratio of 1:1, i.e., it shows the trend for
nuclides in which the number of neutrons is equal to the number of protons.
◼ The green line shows the trend for nuclides with an n:p ratio of 1.5: 1, i.e., it shows the trend for
nuclides in which more neutrons are required to overcome the repulsive force of the protons as
the atomic number of the elements increases.
◼ The band of stability lies in between the two lines. It lies along the red line for elements up to 20
but approaches the green line for elements 20 up to 83.
◼ All nuclei with more than 83 protons are unstable. Elements with 83 protons or fewer may also
have unstable nuclei, depending on the ratio of neutrons to protons .
Achieving Stability via Radioactive Decay Mechanisms
◼ Beta emission:
Unstable nuclides with excess neutrons may undergo beta-minus decay, converting a neutron into
a proton, moving the nuclide towards the band of stability.
In the graph above, this occurs for nuclides found to the left of the green line. Such a nuclide has
too many neutrons and therefore must convert neutron to proton.
Neutron --> Proton + electron
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◼ Alpha emission:
Nuclides with excessive protons and neutrons may undergo alpha decay, emitting an alpha particle
and reducing the atomic number and mass. This occurs for all elements beyond Bismuth (Z = 83).
This is observed at the top right of the graph of N vs Z.
◼ Positron emission:
Nuclides with excess protons may undergo beta-plus decay, where a proton transforms into a
neutron and emits a positron. In the graph above, this occurs for nuclides found to the right of the
red line. Such a nuclide has too many protons and therefore must convert a proton to a neutron
while releasing a positron (positive electron).
◼ Electron capture:
Some nuclides may capture an electron from the inner shells, combining a proton with an electron
to form a neutron and a neutrino. In the graph above, this occurs for nuclides found to the right of
the red line. Such a nuclide has too many protons and therefore captures and electron from the
inner shells to form a neutron.
Uses of Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes, or radioactive isotopes, find diverse applications across various fields due to their
ability to emit radiation. This radiation is utilized for specific purposes, taking advantage of the
properties of these isotopes. Here are examples of how radioisotopes are utilized in different fields:
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By utilizing radioisotopes in these diverse fields, researchers and professionals can gather essential
data, enhance processes, and make advancements that benefit society as a whole.
