Radioactive decay, kinetics

The unstable nuclei in a radioactive sample do not all decay simultaneously. Instead, the decay of a given nucleus is an entirely random event. Consequently, studies of radioactive decay events require the use of statistical methods. With these methods, one may observe a large number of radioactive nuclei and predict with fair assurance that, after a given length of time, a definite fraction of them will have disintegrated but not which ones or when. 

1 111 the case of electron capture and internal conversion, the chemical environment of the electrons involved may affect the decay rate. For L-electron capture in 7Be (t /2 — 53.3 d), the ratio of ty 1 / fj2 is 1.00084. Similarly, a fully stripped radioactive ion cannot undergo either EC or IC decay, a feature of interest in astrophysics. 

Modem Nuclear Chemistry, by W.D. Loveland, D.J. Morrissey, and G.T. Seaborg Copyright 2006 John Wiley Sons, Inc. 

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Nuclear Chemistry Though not included in the text proper, we have written a chapter on nuclear chemistry, which is available through Thomson Brooks/Cole s custom publishing division. Coverage in this chapter includes fundamentals of nuclear reactions, nuclear stability and radioactivity, decay kinetics, and the energetic consequences of nuclear processes. 

Using Radioactive Decay Kinetics (19.6) Example 19.4 For E ractice 19.4 Exercises 45-52... 

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