Nuclear Chemistry

1. Nuclear Chemistry Chemistry Ms.Piela

2. Nuclear Chemistry • Radioactivity is the process of particles being emitted from a nucleus as a result of nuclear instability • Any atomic numbers greater than 83 are unstable • Examples: Uranium, Plutonium • Half-life is the amount of time required for a decaying substance to lose half of its original amount

3. 3 Main Types of Radioactive Decay

4. Beta Decay • Type of decay in which an electron is emitted • Symbol: • A neutron decomposes into a proton, an electron, and something known as an antineutrino • Moderate penetrating power (4 mm of body tissue) • Example:

5. Alpha Decay • Type of decay in which a helium nucleus is emitted • Symbol: • Heaviest form of nuclear decay • Low penetrating power (0.5 mm body tissue) • Example:

6. Gamma Decay • Type of decay in which large amount of energy are emitted from a nucleus • Symbol:  • Often emitted along with alpha or beta particles • No mass or charge • Very high penetrating power (penetrates body easily, requires metal to block

7. Nuclear Changes • Nuclear Fission is when the nucleus of an atom splits in order to form a more stable nucleus

8. Nuclear Changes • Nuclear fusion is the combining of smaller nuclei into larger ones

10. Writing Nuclear Equations • Method • Balance out atomic number and mass number for each side • The total for mass number and atomic number should be equal • Example Problem #1 • Write a balanced nuclear equation that shows the alpha decay of polonium-218

11. Nuclear Equation Example • Example Problem #2 • Uranium-238  isotope undergoes beta decay and also emits gamma rays. Express this in an equation