Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactive Decay

Nuclear Chemistry

• Nuclear reactions involve the nucleus, protons, and neutrons.
• They involve massive amounts of energy.
• Radioactivity is the process where particles or rays are emitted from an atom.

Radioactive Decay

• Unstable nuclei break down into smaller, more stable atoms.
• Often forms a new element.
• Fission is a reaction where atoms are split into unequal parts.
• This is a natural process.

Types of Radiation

Alpha Radiation

• Alpha particle (α) = helium nucleus (⁴He²⁺).
• 226Ra → α + ? → 222Rn
• To balance a nuclear equation, balance protons and neutrons in reactants and products.
• Alpha particles are low-energy radiation.
• Stopped by a piece of paper.
• Only medically dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

Beta Radiation

• Beta particle (β) = electron (₀⁻¹e).
• Fast-moving, high-energy electrons emitted from the nucleus.
• n → β + p
• 14C → 14N + β
• Mass number remains unchanged, but a new element is formed.
• Stopped by thin sheets of metal.
• Can penetrate skin and cause mutations in DNA.

Gamma Radiation

• Gamma ray (γ) = energy, not a particle.
• Often emitted with alpha and beta particles.
• Source of most energy during radioactive decay.
• 238U → 234Th + α + 2γ
• Varying degrees of energy.
• Usually requires feet of concrete or lead to be stopped.
• Highly mutagenic.

Nuclear Reactors

• Induce fission by firing slow-moving neutrons at 235U nuclei.
• Splitting produces two daughter atoms, free neutrons, and gamma rays.
• Energy from gamma rays is used to create steam.
• Free neutrons induce other atoms to split.
• Lead rods absorb some neutrons to control the reaction rate.

Fusion

• Taking light atoms and forcing them to combine into heavier elements.
• Example: H-bomb, Sun.
• Requires a massive amount of energy to start.
• Yields a tremendous amount of energy.
• Difficult to control beyond the amount of fuel.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of nuclear chemistry, including nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and the various types of radiation. Test your knowledge on alpha and beta radiation and their characteristics. Discover how unstable nuclei transform into stable elements.