Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

Define a Half Life of a radioisotope

Answer 1

The time it takes one half of a radioisotope to decay

Question 2

What’s an Alpha particle. Define its mass and atomic #

Answer 2

A helium nucleus He2+.

2 protons 2 neutrons

Mass: 4amu

Atomic number 2

Question 3

What is the equation to solve the mass left from half life?

Answer 3

Mass/2 to the power of (number of half life(s) given)

Question 4

Boron is a gamma emitter. Write its equation.

Answer 4

11 B > 11 B +y

5. 5

Question 5

What is a Beta Particle also named?

Answer 5

An electron

Question 6

A Stable isotopes’ nuclei is…

Answer 6

NOT radioactive

Question 7

What is the only difference between forms of electromagnetic radiation?

Answer 7

It’s WAVELENGTH

Question 8

What happens in Alpha decay?

Answer 8

• 2 protons (atomic number)

- 4 mass number

Question 9

What happens in Beta decay?

Answer 9

+1 proton

Question 10

What is a Gamma Ray also named?

Answer 10

Energetic radiation or X Ray

Question 11

What is the atomic # and charge of alpha, beta and gamma?

Answer 11

Alpha = 2 (He2+)
Positive Charge +2e

Beta=
Negative charge -

Gamma= no charge

Question 12

What is an Alpha particle also named?

Answer 12

Helium nucleus

Question 13

Iodine 131 has a half life of 8 days

After 64 days how many half life’s elapsed?
And determine the grams

Answer 13

64/8 = 8 half life’s
Then
100/2 (to the power of 8) = 6.25grams

Question 14

What is a Gamma Ray?

Answer 14

High energy electromagnetic radiation = free radicals

Question 15

What is a Beta Particle and what is its charge?

Answer 15

An electron. Charge is -1

Question 16

How far does Alpha, beta and gamma travel through?

Answer 16

Alpha to paper(shortest)
Beta to thin plates (middle) - wood, aluminium etc
Gamma (longest) to thick plates- lead, iron etc

Question 17

Why do atoms go through radiation?

Answer 17

Neutrons are not stable, hence undergo radiation to be stable