11: Nuclear Chemistry
- Page ID
- 15930
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Most chemists pay little attention to the nucleus of an atom except to consider the number of protons it contains because that determines an element’s identity. However, in nuclear chemistry, the composition of the nucleus and the changes that occur there are very important. Applications of nuclear chemistry may be more widespread than you realize. Many people are aware of nuclear power plants and nuclear bombs, but nuclear chemistry also has applications ranging from smoke detectors to medicine, from the sterilization of food to the analysis of ancient artifacts. In this chapter, we will examine some of the basic concepts of nuclear chemistry and some of the nuclear reactions that are important in our everyday lives.
- 11.0: Prelude to Nuclear Chemistry
- This page discusses the operation of smoke detectors, which use a small amount of americium to ionize air and detect smoke. The alarm is triggered by smoke particles disrupting the ionized current. The americium is safely contained and poses minimal risk unless tampered with, demonstrating a positive application of nuclear chemistry in enhancing safety and saving lives.
- 11.1: Radioactivity
- This page offers a comprehensive overview of radioactivity, detailing atomic structure and the different types of radioactive emissions: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. It explains their compositions, emission processes, and penetration abilities. Additionally, it addresses spontaneous fission, particularly in uranium-235, describing its role in producing isotopes and neutrons, with applications in nuclear power and weaponry.
- 11.2: Half-Life
- This page explains the concept of half-life, defining it as the time needed for half of a radioactive isotope to decay, highlighting that half-lives are constant regardless of external factors. It provides examples, including tritium and fluorine, for calculating remaining isotopes after half-lives, emphasizes the wide range of half-lives across different isotopes, and addresses misconceptions about the concept.
- 11.3: Units of Radioactivity
- This page covers units of radioactivity such as becquerels (Bq) and curies (Ci), including their definitions and historical background. It explores concepts like radioactive decay and half-life, and introduces dose measurement units (rad, gray) along with the rem unit for biological effects. It also addresses average annual radiation exposure sources, associated health risks, and various detection methods, including film badges and Geiger counters.
- 11.4: Uses of Radioactive Isotopes
- This page discusses the practical applications of radioactive isotopes, highlighting their roles in tracing pathways, dating artifacts, and extending food shelf life. It emphasizes their importance in medical diagnostics and treatment with examples like iodine-131 and PET imaging. Additionally, it mentions carbon-14 dating for determining the age of organic materials.
- 11.5: Nuclear Energy
- This page discusses nuclear energy from reactions such as fission and fusion, where fission splits heavy nuclei for electricity in reactors, while fusion combines light nuclei under extreme conditions, promising further energy potential. In healthcare, nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive compounds for diagnosis and treatment, operating advanced detection equipment and ensuring safety standards to minimize radiation exposure. Proper disposal of radioactive waste is crucial.
- 11.E: Nuclear Chemistry (Exercises)
- This page summarizes radioactivity, detailing the emission of particles and radiation from atomic nuclei, types of decay, half-life, and measurement units. It covers radiation detection methods, background exposure, nuclear energy production, and applications in medicine and industry.
- 11.S: Nuclear Chemistry (Summary)
- This page explains radioactivity, detailing the emission of particles and radiation from unstable atomic nuclei to form stable elements. It describes three types of emissions: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, alongside the concept of half-lives for isotope decay. Measurement units include becquerels and rems. Applications encompass tracing, dating, and medical uses of radioactive isotopes.