Zerfallskette

Zerfallskette is a German term used to describe a sequence of radioactive transformations that occur within a single element. These transformations involve the degradation of unstable atomic nuclei into more stable ones, often resulting in the emission of radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma radiation.

The process of Zerfallskette typically begins with the emission of an alpha particle, which reduces the atomic mass of the nucleus by two units and its atomic number by two. This is often followed by a series of beta decay emissions, where a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and replaces an existing proton, thereby increasing the atomic number by one. As the nucleus becomes more stable, it may undergo gamma decay, in which excess energy is released as high-energy electromagnetic radiation.

A well-known example of a Zerfallskette is the radioactive decay sequence of uranium-238 (U-238) into lead-206 (Pb-206). This process, involving multiple alpha and beta decay emissions, results in the formation of a stable lead nucleus.

Zerfallskette is distinct from other radioactive decay processes in that it represents a linear sequence of transformations that occur within a single element. The understanding of Zerfallskette is crucial in the field of nuclear physics, particularly in the study of radioactive isotopes and their applications in fields such as medicine, energy, and geology.