Nuclear Chemistry Fundamentals

Nuclear Chemistry

Radioactive Decay

• Process in which unstable atomic nuclei release energy and particles to become more stable
• Types of radioactive decay:
  • Alpha (α) decay: emission of alpha particles (2 protons and 2 neutrons)
  • Beta (β) decay: emission of beta particles (high-energy electrons)
  • Gamma (γ) decay: emission of high-energy gamma radiation

Half-Life

• Time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay
• Constant for a given isotope, measured in seconds, minutes, hours, or years
• Formula: t1/2 = ln(2) / λ, where λ is the decay constant

Nuclear Reactions

• Types of nuclear reactions:
  • Fission: heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, releasing energy (e.g., atomic bombs)
  • Fusion: light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy (e.g., stars)
• Nuclear equation: A + B → C + D, where A and B are reactants, and C and D are products

Nuclear Stability

• Stable nuclei: have a stable number of neutrons and protons
• Unstable nuclei: undergo radioactive decay to become stable
• Magic numbers: 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, and 82, which correspond to full energy levels in atomic nuclei, making them more stable

Applications of Nuclear Chemistry

• Nuclear energy: generation of electricity through nuclear fission
• Nuclear medicine: use of radioisotopes for diagnosis and treatment of diseases
• Food irradiation: use of ionizing radiation to preserve food and reduce spoilage