UNIT 6 - RADIOACTIVITY AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
6.1 CLASS WORKSHEET
1. Nuclear symbols - a review
Use this template for nuclear symbols and equations: baX ⟶baX + baX
(a) Define the term “atomic number”.
(b) Define the term “mass number”.
(c) Define the term “isotopes”.
(d) Write the symbol for an atom containing
90 protons and 131 neutrons
(e) Give the name of the atom in (d)
(f) Deduce the number of protons and
neutrons in 131
54Xe
2. Principles of nuclear stability and radioactivity
(a) Describe an alpha particle and give its
chemical symbol.
(b) Describe a beta particle and give its
chemical symbol.
(c) Describe what happens inside a nucleus
as a beta particle is emitted.
(d) What is gamma radiation? Why is
gamma radiation sometimes released
alongside alpha and beta particles?
UNIT 6 - RADIOACTIVITY AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
HOMEWORK 6.1A
1) Nuclear equations vs Chemical Equations
Briefly summarise the main differences between nuclear equations and chemical
equations in the table below:
Nuclear equations Chemical Equations
2) Writing nuclear equations
224
(a) Complete the nuclear equation to show the emission 88 𝑅𝑎 ⟶ 42 𝛼 + ..........
of an alpha particle by radium-224
(b) Write a nuclear equation to show the emission of an
alpha particle by americium-241
(c) Complete the nuclear equation to show the emission 228 0
89 𝐴𝑐 ⟶ −1 𝛽 + ..........
of a beta particle by actinium-228
(d) Write a nuclear equation to show the emission of an
beta particle by oxygen-18
(e) Polonium-216 is formed when another atom releases ………… ⟶ 42 𝛼 + 216
84 𝑃𝑜
an alpha particle. Complete the nuclear equation for
this reaction.
(f) Nitrogen-14 is formed when another atom releases a 0 14
………… ⟶ −1 𝛽 + 7 𝑁
beta particle. Write a nuclear equation for this
reaction.
Click here to go straight to the Exit Ticket