Lesson 2 | Synthesis in the Lab Writing Nuclear Reactions

• ALPHA DECAY – loss of alpha particle
• BETA DECAY – loss of beta particle
• GAMMA RADIATION – emission of gamma ray 
• POSITRON EMISSION – release of positron
• ELECTRON CAPTURE – drawing of an electron into an atom’s nucleus
• BOMBARDMENT OF ALPHA PARTICLE – addition of

  alpha particle
• Fundamental particles involved in the reaction must be properly written.

  • .  Reactants are written in the left side while products are on the right.
  • .  The sum of mass # and atomic # on both sides must be equal.
  • .  Coefficients must be placed in front of the formula or symbol.
  • .  Finalize the balanced reaction by checking.
• Writing Nuclear Reactions

  • Fundamental particles involved in the reaction must be properly written.
  • Reactants are written in the left side while products are on the right.
  • The sum of mass # and atomic # on both sides must be equal.
  • Coefficients must be placed in front of the formula or symbol.
  • Finalize the balanced reaction by checking.