Nuclear Chemistry| 37 Question and Answers (A+ guide solution)

Why are larger atoms more unstable? - Protons repel each other more and more as the atom gets larger. Three types of nuclear radiation - alpha radiation, beta radiation gamma radiation alpha decay equation - 4/2 He subtract 4 from mass number subtract 2 from atomic number beta decay equation - 0/-1 e mass number *remains the same* add 1 to the atomic number gamma decay symbol - 0/0 y both mass and atomic number *remain the same* nuclear fusion - a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy. nuclear fission - A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy Write a nuclear equation: Uranium-235 undergoes alpha decay to produce Thorium-231 - 235/92 U --- 4/2 He + 231/90 Th