GEOL105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Radioactive Decay, Atomic Number, Magnesium

• School: University of Delaware
• Department: Geology
• Course: GEOL105
• Professor: Kohut Edward

Document Summary

September 3, 2015- earth materials- elements, minerals, and rocks. The major subatomic particles that control chemical characteristics are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons: in nucleus, positive charge: atoms of each elements have a unique number of protons (atomic number)- if you take one away you have a different element. Electrons: nearly mass-less, negative charge: atoms can be bond together through electron behavior. Neutrons: in nucleus, no charge- same mass as protons: number of neutrons can change for each element atomic weight changes. Some are stable, others decay and are radioactive: radioactive decay creates heat in the earth, used in determining age of rocks. Iii: most elements on earth in compounds and mixtures, compounds: atoms bound together in molecules, unique properties. H2o: mixtures: elements and molecules together but not bound, ex. Important during erosion: carbonate minerals, calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Carbonates tie up carbon dioxide that would be in atmosphere otherwise.