Nuclear Chemistry

Front 1

Alpha (α) decay

Back 1

For each α particle emitted, A decreases by 4 and Z decreases by 2 in the daughter nuclide.
This is the most common form of decay for a heavy, unstable nucleus.

Front 2

β- decay involves the ejection of a β- particle from the nucleus.

Back 2

involves the ejection of a β- particle from the nucleus
A neutron is converted to a proton, which remains in the nucleus, and a β- particle is expelled:
A remains the same in the daughter nuclide but Z increases by 1 unit.

Front 3

Positron (β+) emission

Back 3

The positron is the antiparticle of the electron.
A proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, and a positron is emitted:

A remains the same in the daughter nuclide but Z increases by 1 unit.

Front 4

Electron capture

Back 4

A proton is transformed into a neutron:

The effect on A and Z is the same as for positron emission

A remains the same in the daughter nuclide but Z increases by 1 unit.