Radioactivity and the Four Forces

Chapter 9, Section 1, Page 258 – 262

Monroe

12/01/08

Chapter 9, Section 1, Page 258 – 262

An atom is made up of three things.

1 A protoni. The number of protons is the ATOMIC

NUMBERii. Protons are made up of quarksiii. Protons have a positive one charge

(+1), exactly

A Neutroni. The number of neutrons is determined

by subtracting the atomic number (see above) from the atomic mass

(higher number), which follows the “-“ symbol of atoms

ii. Neutrons are also made up of quarksiii. Neutrons have a charge of exactly “0”.

They are neutraliv. The number of neutrons, plus the

number of protons, equals the atomic mass number.

An Electroni. An almost massless particleii. Charge of exactly negative one (-1)

The Nucleus of an atom has a huge collection of positive particles in it. Why does it not blow itself apart (since similar charges repel, and all the protons have the same charge)?

The answer is the STRONG NUCLEAR

FORCE.

Four Forces of Nature

Gravity ~ weakest of all. Almost nothing is known about it. It is probably carried by a particle called a graviton.

Weak Nuclear force ~ keeps atoms from changing elements.

Electromagnetic ~ combination of electricity and magnetism. It is carried by the interaction of the electrical/magnetic fields.

Strong Nuclear ~ holds the atom together. This is the strongest of all of the forces, and is the one broken with nuclear reactions.

http://aether.lbl.gov/www/tour/elements/stellar/strong/strong.html

Alpha radiation failure of the strong nuclear force transmutation of the original element mother and daughter elements the radiation is a helium nucleus

At this point, the probable, singular, strong nuclear force attraction of a single proton or neutron is overwhelmed by the collective force of the weaker, but multiplicative, force of the electromagnetic.

Beta radiation,Failure of the weak nuclear force.

Neutrons become protons, so electrons must be “made” so that law of conservation of charge is maintained.

Beta radiation is electrons.

Gamma radiation is very, very energetic electromagnetic waves (light and photons).

Because we cannot shield astro”people”, gamma radiation is the reason that Mars is out of picture.

Kinda how a geiger counter works

Demonstration of a “mousetrap” nuclear demonstration

http://www.energyforeducators.org/snavigation/nuclear.shtml