2. Overview
Part 1:
Nuclear Physics
-Types of decay and decay
equations
Part 2:
Interactions of Radiation in Matter
-Ionizing radiations, particles vs.
photons
3. Nomenclature
NUCLIDES – Unique Z and N
ISOTOPES – Same Z, Different N C-13, C-
C-12,
14, etc.
ISOTONES – Different Z, Same N
ISOBARS – Same A
Z = Proton #
N = Neutron #
A = Mass #
11. Beta [β-] Decay
Nuclide X ->
Nuclide Y
-
+
Y is z+1, A+0
Gain in + charge
12. Beta Decay
A A
X Y + β- +ν
Z Z+1
Excess
Energy
antineutrino
No mass
No Charge
No interaction w/
matter
13. Beta Decay
Max energy of the beta is well-
defined decay energy
Q= DECAY BETA
“TYPICAL”EMITTERS
PURE BETA
ENERGY
DECAY
Q = Parent Energy – Daughter
Energy
Excited State
beta antineutrin
beta
o
0 keV max excited
Ground State
Less
keV gamma
Avg. Energy = 1/3 Emax
Ground State