Atoms and Elements, and Matter and Society PDF

Isotopes same atom different amount of neutrons Ion The ion of the atom of an element is the overall charge of the element e.g li+ so it wants to give up one electron. F-1 as it wants to gain one electron.` Radiation Alpha Radiation (α): Composed of helium nuclei. Low penetration power, can be...

Isotopes same atom different amount of neutrons Ion The ion of the atom of an element is the overall charge of the element e.g li+ so it wants to give up one electron. F-1 as it wants to gain one electron.` Radiation Alpha Radiation (α): Composed of helium nuclei. Low penetration power, can be stopped by paper or skin. Dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or enters the body. Beta Radiation (β): High-speed electrons or positrons. Penetration ability can be stopped by aluminum or plastic. External hazard, more harmful than alpha particles. Gamma Radiation (γ): High frequency electromagnetic radiation. Highly penetrating, requires dense materials for shielding. Causes deep tissue and organ damage, including DNA damage, leading to cancer or radiation sickness. DNA Damage and Cellular Damage DNA damage can cause cancer or cell death. Cellular damage directly kills cells or impairs division. High doses can cause acute radiation syndrome. Benefits and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Generation Benefits: High energy output from small fuel amounts. Low greenhouse gas emissions.  Reliable source of electricity. Disadvantages: Potential for catastrophic nuclear accidents like Chernobyl or Fukushima. Challenges in disposing of long-lived radioactive waste. High costs in initial construction and decommissioning. Nuclear Reactions Overview Nuclear Reactors: Nuclear fission: Heavy atomic nuclei split into smaller nuclei by neutrons, releasing energy and more neutrons. Atomic Bombs: Uncontrolled nuclear fission (fission bombs) or nuclear fusion (hydrogen bombs): Rapid, uncontrolled chain reaction causes massive explosions. Fusion bombs (hydrogen bombs) fuse hydrogen isotopes under high pressure and temperature, releasing immense energy. Pioneers in Periodic Table and Radiation Study Dmitri Mendeleev created periodic table Henri Becquerel Ernest Rutherford Nuclear fussion occurs when two small atomic nuclei are slammed together and join to become a bigger one. E.G hydrogen atoms fuse together to make helium in reactions of stars and hydrogen bombs Nuclear fission occurs when a neutron slams into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms