Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

Radioisotopes

Answer 1

unstable isotopes versions of an element that are NOT stable

Question 2

Atoms stability is determined based off of the

Answer 2

number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

Question 3

How will the nucleus break down by a means of radioactive decay?

Answer 3

spontaneously

Question 4

isotopes are named from their

Answer 4

masses

Question 5

unstable atoms emit (release)…

Answer 5

energy and particles

Question 6

Transmutation

Answer 6

decay causes the nucleus of an atom
to disintegrate and change into the nucleus of another element

Question 7

Natural Transmutation

Answer 7

when the nucleus of an unstable atom /radioisotope (without intervention) breaks down naturally or by itself - spontaneous decay - in the end the nucleus will transmutate or turn into the nucleus of another element

Question 8

artificial transmutation

Answer 8

forced or nonspontaneous decay

Question 9

4 types of nuclear emissions

Answer 9

1) alpha particles
2) beta particles
3) positron particles
4) gamma rays

Question 10

Alpha Particles

Answer 10

an alpha particle has the lowest penetrating power; they can be stopped by a ream of paper

Question 11

Beta Particles

Answer 11

have moderate penetrating power - they can be stopped by a brick

Question 12

Positron

Answer 12

they have too moderate penetrating power

Question 13

Half Life

Answer 13

the TIME it takes for ONE HALF of the nuclei in a sample to decay.

Question 14

Nuclear Reactions

Answer 14

Small amount of mass
is converted into large amounts of energy.

Question 15

Fission

Answer 15

The splitting of a heavy nucleus to
produce a lighter nucleus.

Question 16

Fusion

Answer 16

Involves the combining of light
nuclei to produce a heavier nucleus.

Question 17

FISSION REACTION

Answer 17

● Slow moving neutron
bombards a heavy
element, ex Uranium
or Plutonium.
● Results in an unstable
nucleus which splits
(undergoes Fission).
● Large amounts of
energy is released.

Question 18

FUSION REACTION

Answer 18

● Light Nuclei fuse/join to
form a heavier nucleus.

*High Temperature &
Pressure is needed.

Question 19

Nuclear Reactors

Answer 19

● Nuclear Reactors are
devices for controlling
Nuclear reactions so that
energy released by the
reaction can be converted
to a useful form at a
constant rate.

Question 20

Benefits of Radioisotopes - Radioactive Dating:

Answer 20

● Uses the ratio of C-12/C-14 to date previously living
things
● U-238/Pb-206 to date geological material(earth age, rocks)

Question 21

Benefits of Radioisotopes -

Answer 21

Chemical Tracers: The ability to detect or trace
radioactive materials.
Ex. I-131 detects and helps treat thyroid conditions
Tc-99 & Co-60 treats cancer b/c they emit
gamma rays
C - 14 helps in the study of photosynthesis
● Food Preservation: Co-60 and Cs-137 are
being used to kill bacteria in foods.

Question 22

Chemical Tracers

Answer 22

The ability to detect or trace
radioactive materials.

Question 23

I - 131

Answer 23

detects and helps treat thyroid conditions

Question 24

Tc-99 & Co-60

Answer 24

treats cancer b/c they emit
gamma rays

Question 25

C - 14

Answer 25

helps in the study of photosynthesis

Question 26

Disadvantages of Radioisotopes

Answer 26

● Radioisotopes can kill healthy tissue as well as
cancerous cells.
● Radiation can lead to mutations that can be
inherited.
● It is difficult to store fuel and dispose of wastes
at a nuclear power plant.
-Radioactive substances contaminate their
surroundings for generations, depending on
their half life.