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Textbook Connection Chapter 28 Nuclear Radiation Radioactivity Types of Radiation Nuclear Transformations Nuclear Stability Half Life * Transmutation Reactions Fission and Fusion Fission and Waste Fusion Radiation and You*

Nuclear Particle Decay Explained Alpha Decay – has a positive charge, basically the structure of a Helium Nucleus ( 4 2 He)– 2 protons and 2 neutrons Radiation – parts of atoms and/or energy that are given off by radioactive particles Gamma Decay – High energy waves, not particles, that can interact with matter to cause it to change and/or do work. Dangerous because of the amount of energy they contain. Beta Decay – Can have a negative charge ( 0 −1 e), basically it is a released electron from the atom or it can have a positive charge ( 0 +1 e)which is called a Positron Strong Force – force that holds the Positively charged nucleus together. The larger the number of Protons the more the nucleus wants to come apart so more Neutrons are needed to hold it together. Unlike regular chemical reactions, radioactive decay causes identity of the atom to change.  Fundamental Forces of the Atom – smaller atoms have similar number of Protons and Neutrons http://www.bozemanscience.com/science-videos/2010/12/29/radiation-and-radioactive-decay.html

Sample Nuclear Decay Reactions The alpha decay of iridium-174 The beta decay of platinum-199

Sample Nuclear Decay Reactions Positron emission from sulfur-31

Fission – the nuclear reaction caused by the splitting of larger atomic nuclei into smaller nuclei and releasing energy in the process. Fusion – the nuclear reaction caused by the combining of smaller atomic nuclei into larger nuclei and releasing energy in the process. How can BOTH the building up and breaking down of atomic nuclei release energy?

http://onlinephys.com/fission_diaram.gif

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/astro/imgast/profus.gif

Graph showing the relative binding energies associated with various elements. Notice that Iron (Fe) is at the peak of energies such that the balance between nuclear forces is maximized. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitopencourseware/3586012321/sizes/o/in/set-72157619019512787/

Fission vs. Fusion bombs compared http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qliifidcuw&feature=related

Footage of Nuclear and Atomic Explosions Warning: Graphic images in last minute of film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz6eHI_XM5k&feature=related