Nuclear Chemistry: Decay Kinetics, Stability and Applications
Inorganic Chemistry · Nuclear Nuclear Chemistry: Decay Kinetics, Stability and Applications Radioactive decay is first-order kinetics applied to nuclei, so the mathematics is already familiar. What is new is what decides which nuclei decay at all. BSc & MSc · Inorganic Chemistry · Concept The short answer: All radioactive decay is first order, so half-life is independent of the amount present. Which mode a nucleus takes depends on its neutron-to-proton ratio relative to the band of stability: too many neutrons favours beta emission, too few favours positron emission or electron capture, and very heavy nuclei emit alpha particles. Decay kinetics…