More About Decay

Modes
Nuclear Physics Lesson 9

Homework

Revise for the skills test.

HWK days:
Tues Wk 1 Period 4
Mon Wk 2 Period 2
Thurs Wk 2 Period 4

Nuclear Physics Test - some time before half

term.

Learning Objectives

To interpret the N-Z chart for radioactive

isotopes.

To know how , - and + decay are

represented on the N-Z chart.

To apply this to a radioactivity series.

To know how to represent nuclear energy

levels.

The N-Z Graph

N-Z Plot

Notes on the N-Z Plot

For light elements (Z < 20), N is roughly

equal to Z for stable protons, i.e. equal
numbers of protons and neutrons.

As the elements get heavier, more

neutrons are needed for the strong force
to overcome the Coulomb repulsion (50%
more N than Z for the heaviest elements).
so the line of stability bends upwards.

Notes on the N-Z Plot

emitters (Z > 60)

- emitters (above the stability line)

+ emitters (below the stability line)

Decays Represented on
N-Z Plot
You need to know how to show , and +.
THIS GRAPH IS THE WRONG WAY
ROUND!

Exercise

Draw the N-Z graph for known isotopes.

Indicate the line of stability and describe

how and why it changes as Z is increased.

Indicate where the , - and + emitters

will appear on the graph.
Explain why they appear in these regions
of the graph.

Nuclear Energy Levels

After a nucleus has emitted an alpha or a

beta particle, the daughter nucleus may
be in an excited state.

This will cause it to emit a photon as it

de-excites.
It works just like electrons making
transitions between atomic energy levels
but it takes place in the nucleus

Calculate the photon

wavelength?

Exercise

Describe the two ways

that a 0.83 MeV photon
can be emitted?

Explain how the beta

decay of Mg-27 can
result in either 1 or 2
photons being emitted.

Calculate the 3 photon

frequencies possible.

A Bigger Picture

Summary

A graph of neutron number against proton

number shows that there are more neutrons
in larger nuclei.

This is needed to ensure stability of the

nuclei.

Excited nuclei give off gamma rays after

emitting an alpha particle or a beta particle.

Recap

How are gamma rays emitted by the

nucleus?