Nuclear Chemistry Objective: To explain the process of radioactive decay using nuclear equations and half life Essential Question: How do unstable (radioactive) isotopes become stable?
Review: Radioactivity introduction - Radioactivity video – 4 minutes http://ed.ted.com/lessons/radioactivity-expect-the-unexpected-steve-weatherall Review questions: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/radioactivity-expect-the-unexpected-steve-weatherall#review Dig deeper: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/radioactivity-expect-the-unexpected-steve-weatherall#digdeeper
Review: Radioactive Isotopes A radioactive isotope has an unstable nucleus that undergoes spontaneous changes. Emits particles 1. 2. Emits energy in the form of __________ waves. Transmutates into another element
Types of Radiation
Alpha Decay
Beta decay
Gamma Decay
Particles emitted from a radioactive isotope Next slide Type Symbol Charge Mass Rad.Strength
Radiation Strength: Explain in your notes how each of the radioactive emissions are blocked. Which is the most damaging (strongest)?
Strong Nuclear Force: Holds the nucleus together Limit to the # neutrons: A nucleus with too many neutrons will be unstable and change
Balancing Nuclear Reactions Keep track of atomic number (Z) and mass number (A): protons & neutrons Totals of A & Z must be the same before and after the reaction. Shown by “Before” “ After”
Nuclear reactions Total number of atomic numbers and the total mass numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation. Examples:
Nuclear Equations Practice Website 2713Al + 42He ---> 3015P + ? 23892U 23490Th + ? 146C 0-1e + ? 23994Pu + 42He 24296Cm + ? Nuclear Equations Practice Website
Nuclear Reactions Emission of Alpha or Beta particles http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/beta-decay http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
Radioactive decay No two radioactive isotopes decay at the same rate. Therefore, decay rate can be used to identify the isotope. Decay is measured by half life.
Half-life Measure of Radioactive decay rate. Measured as the time it takes for ½ of a sample of radioisotope’s nuclei to decay into its products.
Half Life Decay of a radioisotope Number of Half-Lives Elapsed time Amount remaining 100 g 1 1.5 year 50 g 2 3 years 25 g 3 4.5 years 12.5 g
Examples of the Half Life of Radioactive Elements
Tearing Through a Half Life 800 Billion Bismuth-210 Atoms Time (years)
Number of radioactive isotopes Half Life: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/radioactive-dating-game Number of radioactive isotopes Number of years
Fission and Fusion http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/nuclear-fission