Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

What is an isotope

Answer 1

o An isotope of an element is an atom with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons.

Question 2

what is radioactivity

Answer 2

o The spontaneous breakdown of a nucleus and the emission of alpha, beta or gamma rays

Question 3

What is the ratio of protons to neutrons for a stable radioisotope

Answer 3

1:1

but as the elements get bigger n:p = 1.5:1.

Question 4

Compare chemical reactions with nuclear reactions

Answer 4

Chemical Reaction

• Atoms rearrange but don’t change
• Valence shell electrons are transferred or shared between atoms
• Small amounts of energy involve
• Rate affected by temperature, catalyst and the type of compound an atom is in
• No measurable change in mass of reactants and products

Nuclear Reaction

• Atoms of one element change to atoms of another element
• Protons and neutrons in a nucleus are rearranged or change in number
• Large amounts of energy involved
• Rate affected by number of nuclei but not by temperature, catalyst of type of compound a nucleus is in
• Measurable change in mass of reactants and products

Question 5

What is alpha decay?

Answer 5

If a nucleus emits an alpha particle 4 He, it loses two protons and two neutrons. 2