Decay Chains

Introduction

A decay chain, also known as a radioactive decay series or a radioactive cascade, is a sequence of radioactive decays of different radioactive isotopes, each decaying into a “daughter” isotope, which then decays into another, and so on until a stable isotope is reached.

Types of Decay

Three primary types of decay can occur in a decay chain: alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

• Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (a helium nucleus), which reduces the atomic number by 2 and the atomic mass by 4.
• Beta decay involves the emission of an electron or positron, changing a neutron to a proton, or a proton to a neutron, respectively.
• Gamma decay involves the emission of high-energy photons, which doesn’t change the atomic number or atomic mass, but reduces the energy state of the nucleus.

Notable Decay Chains

Four natural decay chains are known, named after their final stable daughter isotopes: the uranium series, the actinium series, the thorium series, and the neptunium series.

• The uranium series begins with uranium-238 and ends with lead-206.
• The actinium series begins with uranium-235 and ends with lead-207.
• The thorium series begins with thorium-232 and ends with lead-208.
• The neptunium series begins with neptunium-237 and ends with bismuth-209.

Applications and Relevance

Understanding decay chains is crucial in several areas of physics and related fields. It helps in the study of nuclear reactions and the dating of rocks and archaeological artifacts, and it has applications in medical imaging and therapy.

Conclusion

Decay chains provide a fascinating insight into the complex behavior of radioactive isotopes. Through the study of these chains, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of nuclear physics and the passage of time at a subatomic level.

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