Nuclear Chemistry

Question 0

Radioactive Decay Series

Answer 0

A sequence of nuclear reactions in which a non-radioactive isotope is formed at the end of the series of reactions.

Question 1

Nuclear Reaction

Answer 1

A reaction in which there is a change in the atomic number of an atom and often a change in the mass number as well.

Question 2

Positron emission/electron capture

Answer 2

Isotopes with a low neutron to proton ratio below the band of stability decay by positron emission or electron capture. Both processes lead to product nuclei with a lower atomic number and the same mass number.

0 B 0 e
+1 -1

Question 3

Alpha emission

Answer 3

The decay of unstable isotopes. To reach the band of stability starting with these elements, a process that decreases the atomic number is needed. Alpha emission lowers the atomic number by two. It also lowers the mass number by four.

Question 4

Beta emission

Answer 4

Occurs in isotopes that have a high neutron to proton ratio a.k.a. isotopes that are above the band of stability. With beta decay the atomic number increases by one and the mass number remains constant resulting in a lower neutron to proton ratio.

Question 5

Nuclear binding energy

Answer 5

The energy required to separate the nucleus of an atom into protons and neutrons.

Question 6

Half-life formula

Answer 6

T1/2 = 0.693/k

Question 7

Partial decay

Answer 7

Ln (A/Ao) = -kt

Question 8

Nuclear Fission

Answer 8

The splitting of a nucleus into smaller pieces.

Question 9

Nuclear fusion

Answer 9

Several small nuclei reacting to form a larger nucleus.