Particle charge and mass given in Table O
Particles with a higher mass have lower penetration power. Alpha is least, gamma is greatest.
The energy released during nuclear reactions is much greater than the energy released during chemical reactions
Nuclear reactions lose some mass due to conversion of mass to energy
Transmutations – change from one element to another
Natural Transmutation: Spontaneous radioactive decay. Only one reactant.
Artificial Transmutation: Bombardment of element with high E particle. Two reactants.
Half Life Problems: Half lives are constant. Every X amount of time the mass will halve.
Use Table N to find a nuclide's half-life and decay mode.
Fission Reactions
A nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits up into lighter nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
Nuclear Bombs- Uncontrolled chain reactions
Nuclear Power Plants- Controlled chain reactions
Fusion Reactions
A nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
Produces more energy than fission
Needs extremely high temperatures- occurs on the sun
Uses of Radioactive Isotopes
I-131: diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders
C-14 & C-12: dating living organisms
Co-60: treating cancer
Nuclear Regents Questions
