Radioactivity

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The nucleus is the innermost part of an atom, extremely small (10⁻¹⁵ to 10⁻¹⁴ m). It contains: • Protons: Positively charged (+1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C), mass = 1.67×10⁻²⁷ kg • Neutrons: Electrically neutral, same

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Isotopes are elements with the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Example: Hydrogen isotopes • H₁¹ (Protium): Z=1, A=1, neutrons=0 • H₁² (Deuterium): Z=1, A=2, neutrons=1 • H₁³ (Tritium):

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Radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of particles (α, β) and rays (γ) from unstable atomic nuclei to achieve stability. • Discovered by: Henry Becquerel • Natural radioactive elements: Uranium,

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Alpha particles properties: • Structure: Doubly ionized helium atom (He²⁺ or ₂He⁴) • Mass: 4 times proton mass = 6.68×10⁻²⁷ kg • Charge: +3.2×10⁻¹⁹ C (double positive) • Speed: 1/10 of light speed = 3

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Beta particles characteristics: • Nature: Fast-moving electrons (₋₁e⁰) • Mass: 9.1×10⁻³¹ kg (electron mass) • Charge: -1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C (negative) • Speed: 1/9 of light speed ≈ 10⁸ m/s • Origin: From nucle

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Gamma rays properties: • Nature: Electromagnetic waves/photons • Mass: Zero rest mass • Speed: Speed of light = 3×10⁸ m/s • Charge: No charge (neutral) • Ionization power: Least among all three • Pene

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Alpha decay equation: ₍Z₎Xᴬ → ₍Z-2₎Yᴬ⁻⁴ + ₂He⁴ Changes in nucleus: • Mass number decreases by 4 • Atomic number decreases by 2 • New element is formed Example: U₉₂²³⁸ → Th₉₀²³⁴ + He₂⁴ (Uranium → Tho

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Beta decay equation: ₍Z₎Xᴬ → ₍Z+1₎Yᴬ + ₋₁e⁰ Changes in nucleus: • Mass number remains same • Atomic number increases by 1 • New element is formed Example: C₆¹⁴ → N₇¹⁴ + e₋₁⁰ (Carbon → Nitrogen + Bet