Intro to Nuclear Chemistry http://www.chem.orst.edu/graduate/pics/Reactor.jpg

How does a nuclear reactor work? http://www.lanl.gov/science/1663/images/reactor.jpg

How does a small mass contained in this bomb cause…… Nuclear Bomb of 1945 known as “fat man” http://www.travisairmuseum.org/assets/images/fatman.jpg

…this huge nuclear explosion? http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/01200/Graphics/705px-Nuclear_fireball.jpg

Is there radon in your basement? http://a.abcnews.com/images/Blotter/abc_1radon_ad_070625_ssh.jpg

Notation

Nucleons Protons and Neutrons

The nucleons are bound together by the strong force.

Atoms of a given element with: Isotopes Atoms of a given element with: same # protons but different # neutrons

H H H http://education.jlab.org/glossary/isotope.html

Isotopes of Carbon

Radioactive Isotopes Isotopes of certain unstable elements that spontaneously emit particles and energy from the nucleus. Henri Beckerel 1896 accidentally observed radioactivity of uranium salts that were fogging photographic film. His associates were Marie and Pierre Curie.

Marie Curie: born 1867, in Poland as Maria Sklodowska Lived in France 1898 discovered the elements polonium and radium. http://www.radiochemistry.org/nuclearmedicine/pioneers/images/mariecurie.jpg

Marie Curie a Pioneer of Radioactivity Winner of 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics with Henri Becquerel and her husband, Pierre Curie. Winner of the sole 1911 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

3 Main Types of Radioactive Decay Alpha a Beta b Gamma g

Alpha Decay Emission of alpha particles a : helium nuclei two protons and two neutrons charge +2e  can travel a few inches through air can be stopped by a sheet of paper, clothing.

Alpha Decay Uranium Thorium

Alpha Decay http://education.jlab.org/glossary/alphadecay.gif

Beta Decay Beta particles b: electrons ejected from the nucleus when neutrons decay ( n -> p+ +b- ) Beta particles have the same charge and mass as "normal" electrons.

Beta Decay Beta particles b: electrons ejected from the nucleus when neutrons decay n -> p+ +b- Beta particles have the same charge and mass as "normal" electrons. Can be stopped by aluminum foil or a block of wood.

Beta Decay

Beta Decay Thorium Protactinium

Gamma Decay Gamma radiation g : electromagnetic energy that is released.  Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. They have no mass. Gamma radiation has no charge. Most Penetrating, can be stopped by 1m thick concrete or a several cm thick sheet of lead.

Examples of Radioactive Decay Alpha Decay Po  Pb + He Beta Decay p n + e n  p + e C  N + e Gamma Decay Ni  Ni + g (excited nucleus)

Which is more penetrating? Why?