Lesson 2Radioactive Decay EquationsTeacher: Mr. GuerraC.C. Winn High School

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•Nuclear Equations

•Nuclear Chemistry• In this chapter we will look at nuclear reactions.

–Radioactive decay is the process in which a nucleus spontaneously disintegrates, giving off radiation.

•Nuclear EquationsIn nuclear equations, we balance nucleons (protons and neutrons). The atomic number (number of protons) and the mass number (number of nucleons) are conserved during the reaction.

•Nuclear Equations• A nuclear equation is a symbolic representation of a nuclear reaction using nuclide symbols.

– For example, the nuclide symbol for uranium-238 is

U23892

•The Nucleus

• Remember that the nucleus is comprised of the two nucleons, protons and neutrons.

• The number of protons is the atomic number.• The number of protons and neutrons together is effectively the mass of the atom.

•Periodic Table of elements

•Atomic Mass on the Periodic Table

11

Na22.99

Atomic Number

Symbol

Atomic Mass

•Nuclear Equations

•Question 1• What is the atomic and mass number in this chemical element? What is the name of this chemical?

•Question 2