Nuclear

1
Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter - 10
2
Atomic Energy
Nuclear Radiation - high energy particles and
rays that are emitted by the nuclei of some
atoms
Three Kinds of Decay
Alpha - alpha particle/ Beta - beta
particle/Gamma - gamma rays
3
Alpha Decay - an alpha particle is released from
the nucleus
Alpha Particle - two protons and two neutrons
Beta Decay - a neutron breaks down and becomes an
electron (beta particle) which leaves the nucleus
and a proton which stays
4
Gamma Decay - the rearranging of the nucleus
after alpha or beta decay and it gives off energy
as gamma rays
Half-Life - the amount of time it takes for one
half of the nuclei of a radioactive isotope to
decay
5
Artificial Transmutation - the conversion of
atoms of one element to atoms of another
performed in a lab (done by bombarding atomic
nuclei with high energy particles such as proton,
neutron, or alpha particles)
- a nuclear change, not a chemical one
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Transuranium elements - those elements greater
than 92 (artificial or synthetic and all
radioactive) - some are used in industry
Particle Accelerators - used to speed up
particles for bombarding purposes in nuclear
chemistry
7
Nuclear Fission
- not all nuclei decay by releasing alpha, beta,
or gamma particles
- process in which a large nucleus splits into
two smaller, more stable nuclei with the release
of energy
- can happen naturally or be made to happen by
hitting them with neutrons
8
Nuclear Chain Reactions
- a continuous series of nuclear fission
reactions
- huge amounts of energy are released very
quickly
- nuclear bombs are uncontrolled
- nuclear power plants are controlled reactions
9
Nuclear waste is a big problem . know why
Nuclear Fusion
- two or more nuclei with small masses join
together, or fuse, to form a larger more
massive nucleus
- occurs in the sun
10
- unfortunately we cannot get energy this way
(too high of temps needed) .. too bad,
because it much less harmful
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Nuclear radiation can weaken metals, cause
fatigue, hair loss, and even death
Nuclear waste must be carefully disposed of
Uses of Radioactivity
- treat cancer, smoke alarms, tracers (locates
things), nuclear power (energy)