1. Unit 11: Nuclear Chemistry
Section 1: “It’s da bomb!” – Fission and Fusion Reactions

2. Quick Review (Not on Notes)
Nucleus
Centermost part of an atom
Composed of protons and neutrons
Protons – Positive Charge
Neutrons – Neutral Charge
Surrounded by electrons
Electrons – Negative Charge

3. The Imperfect Atom  Atoms can gain or lose neutrons.
This makes it an isotope
When an atom becomes an isotope, it is VERY UNSTABLE!
An unstable nucleus is likely to split apart or fuse with another nucleus, depending on the circumstances resulting in nuclear fission or nuclear fusion.

4. Fission Reactions
Nuclear Fission – the process where the nucleus of an atom is struck with a neutron and splits into smaller fragments.
Usually uses Uranium as a fuel source

5. Nuclear Fission – Chain Reaction

6. Fission Reaction – The Nuclear Bomb

8. Fusion Reactions
Nuclear Fusion – the combination of two nuclei to create a nucleus with a greater mass.
On the sun, Hydrogen isotopes
fuse to form Helium atoms.
Fusion only occurs at VERY high temperatures
40,000,000 ˚C… OY, THAT’S HOT!!!
Does this appear to be an easy energy source here on Earth?

9. Nuclear Fusion H He H 2 1 4 2 3 1

10. Fission vs. Fusion Reactions

11. Summary
Summarize the idea of nuclear chemistry and the topics of fusion and fission.
Write in complete sentences… and remember you WILL have an audience for this writing (a partner) so think carefully about what you write! 