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Understanding Nuclear Chemistry: Atoms, Radiation, and Decay

This unit explores the nucleus of an atom, highlighting its small size and immense density. We delve into radioactive decay, examining three main types of decay particles: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, detailing their properties and dangers. The concept of half-life is explained through practical examples involving various isotopes, and we discuss fission and fusion processes, including chain reactions and energy release. This comprehensive overview is essential for grasping the fundamental aspects of nuclear chemistry and radiation.

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Understanding Nuclear Chemistry: Atoms, Radiation, and Decay

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Unit 4 Nuclear Chemistry

  2. Parts of an atom

  3. Radiation • In this part of the unit, we will focus on the nucleus! • It’s very small (10-13 cm) • It’s very dense (1.6 ×14 g/cm3) • A lot of energy holds it together! (millions of times more than involved in chemical reactions!)

  4. Many nuclei are RADIOACTIVE! • They spontaneously decompose or DECAY (break apart) • forming a different nucleus & producing one or more particles

  5. 3 Main Types of Decay Particles • Alpha (α) particles • Slow moving nucleus of a helium atom. • Not very dangerous, can be stopped by • Skin • A piece of paper

  6. 3 Main Types of Decay Particles • Beta ( β) Particles • Faster moving electrons • Are harmful • Can be stopped by wood or metal sheets

  7. 3 Main Types of Decay Particles • Gamma (γ) Particles • High-energy photon of light • Very dangerous • Partially stopped by 6 inches of lead or 6 feet of concrete

  8. Half-Life (t1/2) • Time it takes for half of a radioactive material to decay away. • Example: • You have 100.g of Ra-221. It’s half-life is 30 seconds. • What does that mean? • How much Ra-221 would be left after 90 seconds?

  9. More Half-Life Problems • The half-life of I-131 is 8.02 days. How much I-131 is left after 32.08 days? You originally have 600.g. • The half-life of Pu-239 is 24,360 years. Starting with 1000.g, how much would be left after 146,160 years? • Would it ever completely decay away?

  10. Half-Life Equation • t1/2 = mass of material 2# of half-lives • Let’s try it!

  11. Fission • Process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two more stable nuclei with smaller mass numbers • Releases a lot of energy

  12. Fission • Chain reaction • When you have a lot of a radioactive substance and the fission of one nucleus gives off particles that hit other nuclei that give off more particles that hit more nuclei. . .

  13. Fission • Critical Mass • The mass of material required to produce a chain reaction.

  14. Fusion • Process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier, more stable nucleus. • Produces a lot more energy than fission!

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