Unit 11 flashcards (Nuclear chemistry)

Nuclei

Nuclei

term for more than one nucleus

Unstable Nuclei

Nuclei that have so many protons and neutrons that they began to decay and emit particles.

Transmutation

When the Nucleus of an Atom changes, changing the element. As well as emitting a radioactive particle

Number on the top left of a particle symbol

The mass of the particle

Number on the bottom left of a particle symbol

The number of protons in a particle.

Penetration power

The ability for a particle to pass through matter

Natural Transmutation

When an Unstable Nuclei decays on it’s own in nature. Usually will happen with the half-life.

Artificial Transmutation

When we bombard an unstable Nuclei with particles to take a chunk off.

Fusion

two lighter Nuclei combine to form one heavier nucleus with a release of energy.

Fission

Forcing a radioactive particle to collide with a large radioactive element, causing it to split apart and release lots of stored energy

A half-life

The time it takes for a radioisotope to lose half of its mass.

Uses for radioisotopes with longer half-lives

Dating rocks or other remains/specimens.

Uses for radioisotopes with shorter half-lives

To treat things like cancer, or detecting cancer as well as other medical applications.

Chemical Tracer

When isotopes are used to follow the path of material (such as fertilizer) in some sort of system. Done by following the particles which fall off as it decays.