For example, an alpha particle is a helium nucleus (He) with a charge of +2 and a mass number of 4, so it is symbolized 2 4 He. The subscripts and superscripts are necessary for balancing nuclear equations, but are usually optional in other circumstances. Positrons ( +1 0 e, ( +1 0 e, also represented by the symbol +1 0 β ) +1 0 β ) are positively charged electrons (“anti-electrons”). Beta particles ( −1 0 β, ( −1 0 β, also represented by the symbol −1 0 e ) −1 0 e ) are high-energy electrons, and gamma rays are photons of very high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Alpha particles ( 2 4 He, ( 2 4 He, also represented by the symbol 2 4 α ) 2 4 α ) are high-energy helium nuclei. Protons ( 1 1 p, ( 1 1 p, also represented by the symbol 1 1 H ) 1 1 H ) and neutrons ( 0 1 n ) ( 0 1 n ) are the constituents of atomic nuclei, and have been described previously. The most common are protons, neutrons, alpha particles, beta particles, positrons, and gamma rays, as shown in Figure 21.4. Many entities can be involved in nuclear reactions. To describe a nuclear reaction, we use an equation that identifies the nuclides involved in the reaction, their mass numbers and atomic numbers, and the other particles involved in the reaction. Identify common particles and energies involved in nuclear reactionsĬhanges of nuclei that result in changes in their atomic numbers, mass numbers, or energy states are nuclear reactions. ![]() By the end of this section, you will be able to:
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