Radioactivity and Nuclear

Reactions in Synthesis of Elements

Radiation

 Transfer of energy through space and other media.

TYPES OF RADIATION
1. Electromagnetic radiation- is the effect of interaction between magnets and
electricity.

2. Nuclear radiation- the effect of unstable atoms with nuclei ejecting matter and
energy.
1. Ionizing radiation- (harmful) radiation in electromagnetic radiation is
from Ultraviolet to Gamma rays, blue light radiation from the
cellphone and also nuclear radiation- the effect of unstable atoms with
nuclei ejecting matter and energy.

2. Non-ionizing radiation
Electro magnetic spectrum- is a continuum of
electromagnetic waves arranged according to
frequency and wavelength.
Alpha decay

 An unstable atom is losing 2 neutrons and 2 protons in the form of Alpha radiation.
 Loss of alpha particle 4 He.
2

190 Os 186 W + 4 He.

76 74 2

238 U 234 Th
92 90
Beta radiation- is produced when a neutron
decays

Beta Decay- Beta particles contain no mass and negative charge (-1).
- An unstable atom is losing 1 electron in the form of Beta radiation.
- loss of a beta particle (0B)
-1
14 C 14N + 0B
6 7 -1

8 Li 8Be + 0e
3 4 -1
Gamma radiation- they have no charge and weight, they are energetic
and deadly. Can pass through an object except Lead and 1 meter thick concreate.
(Used as radiotherapy, killing the cancer cells.)

Gamma radiation in alpha decay of Uranium 238 .

No change just a release of gamma radiation because it is already stable.

Electron capture- drawing of an electron into an atoms’s
nucleus.
Alpha bombardment- literally adding Alpha particles to the
atom.
Positron Emission- conversion of a proton in a nucleus into a
neutron, along with the release of a positron.

15 O 15N + 0 e
8 7 +1