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Nuclear Stability and Reactions

Learn about nuclear stability, forms of radioactive decay, and how to balance decay equations. Explore definitions such as nucleons, nuclides, mass defect, and nuclear binding energy. Understand the Band of Stability and the role of neutrons in stabilizing the nucleus. Discover nuclear reactions, transmutation, and the energy released during these processes.

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Nuclear Stability and Reactions

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  1. The Nucleus Objectives: • Relate nuclear stability to the ratio of neutrons to protons • Describe the forms of radioactive decay • Balance decay equations

  2. The Nucleus Definitions: nucleons-protons and neutrons collectively nuclide- a specific atom (in nuclear chemistry) mass defect – difference between the actual mass of an atom and the sum of the masses of all of an atom’s protons, neutrons, and electrons Nuclear binding energy – energy released when a nucleus is formed from nucleons (E = mc2)

  3. Binding Energy per Nucleon Higher binding energy/nucleon  higher nuclear stability

  4. Band of Stability Small atoms tend to have neutron-proton ratios ~ 1:1 The ratio approaches 1.5:1 as the atomic number increases Explained by the relationship between strong nuclear forces and electrostatic repulsion

  5. Nucleons and nuclear stability • Strong nuclear forces act over very short distances • As the # of protons increases, the electrostatic force between protons increases • More neutrons are needed to stabilize the nucleus

  6. Nuclear Reactions Transmutation – transformation of one element into another • Nuclear reactions occur when unstable nuclei undergo changes in the # of protons and neutrons in order to increase stability • Large amounts of energy are given off

  7. Nuclear Reactions • In nuclear equations, the sum of atomic #’s and mass #’s must be equal on both sides of the equation.

  8. Complete the following nuclear reactions:

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