Nuclear chemistry is the study of the breakup of unstable nuclei, which results in the emission of radiation and energy. There are three types of radiation; alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ).
Part ofChemistryRevision guides: Chemistry in society
The emission of radiation from an atom will change its nature.
Nuclear equations show the products of nuclear decay.
In nuclear equations, the sum of the atomic number and mass number on each side of the equation should balance.
\(_{\,\,90}^{232}Th \to _{\,\,88}^{228}Ra + _2^4He_{}^{2 + }\)
\(_{\,\,90}^{232}Th \to _{\,\,88}^{228}Ra + \alpha\)
\(_{\,\,6}^{14}C \to _{\,\,7}^{14}N + _{ - 1}^{\,\,\,0}e_{}^ -\)
\(_{\,\,6}^{14}C \to _{\,\,7}^{14}N + \beta\)
