Reviewing Nuclear Chemistry University of Wisconsin - Madison Reviewing Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha (α) particles are composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. 2 protons give alpha particles a +2 charge! Alpha particles have the greatest mass of any nuclear radiation.

Alpha (α) Particle Alpha particles are the least penetrative form of radiation, but because they quickly take two electrons, they are considered the most ionizing form of radiation. This means they make ions of other substances.

Since these are electrons, they have a -1 charge. Beta (β) Particle Beta (β) particles are essentially electrons that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Since these are electrons, they have a -1 charge. When beta particles are emitted from the nucleus, a neutron becomes a proton!

Beta (β) Particle e 0.0005486 Beta particles have a small amount of mass, but it is so small that we round it to 0. -1 Beta particles can be absorbed by a thin sheet of metal. Because they add an electron to the material that absorbs them, they are considered slightly ionizing.

This means gamma rays have NO CHARGE (0)! Gamma rays are not particles. They are a form of electromagnetic radiation. This means gamma rays have NO CHARGE (0)! Because gamma rays are energy, they have NO MASS! The mass is not just very small, it is actually zero!

Gamma (γ) Rays Since gamma rays are not particles, they can penetrate deeply into matter. It takes a thick wall of lead to absorb gamma radiation. However, since they do not add or remove electrons, they are a non-ionizing radiation.

Gamma (γ) Rays The energy of an electromagnetic wave is directly proportional to its frequency. Gamma radiation has the highest frequency and greatest energy of all electromagnetic radiation!

Fission vs. Fusion BOTH types of nuclear reactions convert matter into energy according to Einstein’s famous equation. This means that a small amount of mass turns into a HUGE amount of ENERGY!

Fission Fission reactions occur when a nucleus breaks apart into several smaller nuclei. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Fission Fission is easy to control and start, so it is used in all nuclear power plants and most nuclear weapons, but it produces harmful toxic waste. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Fusion Fusion reactions occur when a nuclei join together to form a larger nucleus. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Fusion Fusion produces more energy and little toxic waste, but it takes too much energy to start and control for us to use as an energy source. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Fusion While we cannot use fusion to produce electricity on Earth, all life relies on the fusion reactions that occur inside the sun.

Balancing Nuclear Reactions Nuclear reactions are very easy to balance. Once again, we think of the arrow as our equal sign. Then, we follow a few easy steps. 14C  0e + 6 -1 Step 1: Write atomic number for the elements if they are not already there.

Balancing Nuclear Reactions Nuclear reactions are very easy to balance. Once again, we think of the arrow as our equal sign. Then, we follow a few easy steps. 14C  0e + 14 7 6 -1 Step 2: Use simple algebra to determine the mass number and atomic number of the unknown element.

Balancing Nuclear Reactions Nuclear reactions are very easy to balance. Once again, we think of the arrow as our equal sign. Then, we follow a few easy steps. 14C  0e + N 14 7 6 -1 Step 3: Use the atomic number to determine which element’s symbol should be placed in the blank.