This document discusses radioactive decay and the three main types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. It describes the key properties of each type of radiation, including their mass, charge, speed, and ability to penetrate matter. The document also introduces concepts like radioactive decay series, half-life, and how radioactive dating works. It concludes by noting that some elements are absent from Earth due to their very short half-lives.

1. Unit 17Radioactive Decay

2. Unstable Atoms When the repulsive forces of the protons exceeds the ability of the strong nuclear force to hold them together, they are unstable. In addition, sometimes nuclei are too heavy and have too many neutrons to remain together

3. Three Types of Radiation Alpha Particles- 2 protons and 2 neutrons Beta Particles- electron Gamma Rays- Tiny electromagnetic waves

4. Alpha Particles * Represented by α (alpha) * They are equivalent to the nuclei of a He atom * (+2) Charge, heavy and slow moving *Limited penetrating power, stopped by sheet of paper

10. Alpha Particles * Represented by α (alpha) * They are equivalent to the nuclei of a He atom * (+2) Charge, heavy and slow moving *Limited penetrating power, stopped by sheet of paper Equation Example:

11. Conversion From One Element to Another Through Alpha Decay

12. Dangers of Radon Gas

13. Radioactive Decay Series

14. Radioactive Decay Series

15. Radioactive Decay Series

16. Radioactive Decay Series

17. Radioactive Decay Series

18. Beta Particles Represented by β (beta) (-) Charge, little mass, 100x faster than alpha Basically high-speed electrons Stopped by Aluminum Sheet. Changes a Neutron into a Proton

19. Beta Particles Equation Example:

20. Beta Decay Series

21. Beta Decay Series

22. Beta Decay Series

23. Beta Decay Series While it may seem it is cycling around, the difference is it keeps losing mass, thus it turns from Ra-228 to Ra-224

24. Gamma Particles Represented by ɣ (gamma) Electromagnetic wave, no charge (neutral) or mass Great speed, high-energy, very dangerous High penetrating power Only lead can stop them

25. Radioactivity Alpha, Beta and Gamma Particles

27. Half-Life Half-life is a measure of the rate of decay of a radioactive element. It is the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. Carbon-14 has a half life of 5730 years

28. Carbon-14 Dating

30. The lack of certain elements on Earth is related to their very short half-lives