Nuclear Chemistry
3 Types of Nuclear Radiation Alpha Beta Gamma
Alpha Particles Symbol: 42He or 42 Largest particle - Made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons Stopped by paper or skin
Beta Particles Symbol: 0-1e or 0-1 Stopped by a few centimeters of metal (lead)
Neutron Emission High-energy neutron releases from nucleus No charge Travels through most matter easily Symbol 10n
Gamma Radiation Form of electromagnetic radiation No mass or charge Very high energy – damage tissues Travel through most materials easily Symbol:
Nuclear Reactions Transmutation (nuclear decay) – change one element into another by changing number of protons - Results in a stable nuclide (Review – How many protons and neutrons does this isotope have? What happens if the number of protons changes?)
Nuclear Decay Reactions (Particles and/or energy is given off) Alpha Decay Beta Decay
Bismuth-214 undergoes alpha decay. Examples of Decay Bismuth-214 undergoes alpha decay.
Silicon-27 undergoes beta decay.
Nuclear Fusion Small nuclei combine at extremely high temperatures to form larger nuclei Nuclear Fusion - YouTube Nuclear Fusion (6 min)
Examples Sun Hydrogen bomb Not currently used to produce energy
Nuclear Fission Nucleus splits into many smaller fragments using neutrons
Examples Used to produce energy in power plants Atom bomb Fission vs. Fusion Nukes - YouTube
Chain Reaction Series of fission processes
Controlling a Chain Reaction Control rods absorb neutrons and therefore slow down the reactions Mousetrap reactor (side view slow motion) - YouTube