Radioactive Decay

Chloe Sanchez
3 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers nuclear physics, focusing on nuclear reactions (including radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion) and the concept of half-life. It details the conservation laws governing these reactions, emphasizing the conservation of nucleon number and charge. The guide also explains the types of radioactive decay, such as alpha decay.
AP Physics 2: Nuclear Physics - Your Night Before Guide โข๏ธ
Hey there, future physicist! Let's get you prepped for the AP Physics 2 exam with a focused review of nuclear physics. Remember, you've got this! ๐ช
Nuclear Reactions: The Basics
Conservation Laws
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Key Principle: Matter can change form, but it's neither created nor destroyed. In nuclear reactions, both nucleon number (total number of protons and neutrons) and charge must be conserved. It's like a cosmic accounting system! ๐ก
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Types of Nuclear Reactions:
- Radioactive decay: Spontaneous breakdown of unstable nuclei.
- Nuclear fission: Splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter ones.
- Nuclear fusion: Combining of light nuclei into a heavier one.
Radioactive Decay: Unstable Nuclei ๐ฅ
What is it?
- Certain isotopes are unstable due to an imbalance of neutrons and protons. These radioactive isotopes undergo spontaneous decay, emitting particles and/or energy.
- Half-life: The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay. Think of it as the "expiration date" for half of your sample. โณ
- Parent vs. Daughter: The original unstable nuclide is the parent, and the resulting nuclide is the daughter.
Types of Radioactive Decay
Alpha Decay (ฮฑ)
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What is it? Emission of an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium-4 nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons).
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How to remember? Alpha is like a big, slow-moving package. ๐ฆ
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Changes:
- Atomic number decreases by 2. * Mass number decreases by 4.

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Question 1 of 7
In any nuclear reaction, what two quantities must always be conserved? ๐ค
Mass and Energy
Volume and Density
Nucleon number and Charge
Momentum and Kinetic energy