Atomic Model Persuasive Letter

696 Words3 Pages
I am aware of your need of a new way to visually demonstrate the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, as well as the different processes of radioactive decay to chemistry students. I believe that I have formulated the ideal models to do just that and I would like to propose the transaction of these models to you. I have attached the models themselves to this letter and in the following paragraphs I will explain to you what they show as well as why they are ideal for classroom use. In the process of alpha decay, an unstable atom will release a helium nucleus due to the natural tendency to once again become stable. In this process, the original atom will lose two neutrons and two protons, changing the element’s atomic number and mass, and subsequently making it into a different element. My model clearly and simply demonstrates this process due to the fact that it does not over complicate the process. I did not label the parent atom intentionally, to imply that this process can generally happen to almost any charged particle. Also, empty spaces are left in the atom to show that the particles that form the helium nucleus were released. On top of this, the helium nucleus is clearly labeled and is shown containing two neutrons and two protons (which are also labeled using an “N” and a “+”). Similarly, my model of beta decay is labeled in the same manner as that of the alpha decay model. In beta decay, an unstable atom uses its natural tendency to become stable to “transform” one neutron into a proton. Subsequently, the new positive charge requires an electron to be released from the atom’s orbit. This process is shown clearly in my model due to the fact that it states that the atom gets the energy to carry out this process from the instability of itself. Also, an electron labeled with a “-“ is illustrated to be released from orbit to demonstrate that
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