Radiochemistry and Nuclear Equations

Flashcards about radiochemistry and nuclear equations

Radiochemist

Works with radioactive materials and wears a film badge to monitor exposure.

Radiation

Can sometimes be stopped by skin, aluminum or concrete.

Neutrons

Requires concrete shielding.

Sievert

A measure of radiation dosage.

Average Annual Radiation

The average annual exposure is 6.2 milliSievert.

Nuclear equation rule

Left side must equal the right side.

Alpha decay calculation

Subtract 4 from the mass number (A) and 2 from the atomic number (Z).

Key Knowledge for Nuclear Chemistry

Particles and Their Symbols

Bombarding element with a particle

Often a neutron or an alpha particle to create a new element.

Control Rods

Boron and Carbon.

Half-Life

The time it takes for half of the radioactive material to decay.

Half life of Uranium 238

4,500,000,000 years.

Half-Life value

Cannot be affected by temperature or chemical reactions.

Half life of Tritium

12.3 years.

Iodine-131

Detects thyroid cancer.

Alpha Emitters

Too big, causes too much damage when ingested.

Why Short Half-Lives Are Desirable

Want them Gone (excreted) from body quickly.

Calculating the number of half-lives

Divide the total time by the length of the half life.

Measuring Half-Life

They measure the disintegrations over a certain amount of time.

Naturally occurring elements

Undergo radioactive decay to become more stable.

Man-Made Elements

Elements Named after Where They Were Formed/Discovered.

Seaborg

Rearranged the periodic table.