Nuclear Chemistry

Binding Energy

amount of energy required to separate a particle from a system of particles

Calculating Mass Defect

E = mc²

What is the mass defect?

mass of a nucleus is less than the mass of its constituent protons and neutrons weighed separately

Nuclear Fission

When a heavy nucleus collides with a neutron and splits into two smaller atoms releasing neutrons and energy

Nuclear Fusion

When two or more lighter nuclei fuse into one larger nucleus, releasing energy in the process

Radioactive Decay types

when the nucleus of an unstable element is spontaneously converted into a more stable element and a radioactive particle

Alpha decay

the release of an alpha particle: ⁴₂a or ⁴₂He

Beta plus decay

emits a positron, which has a mass of 0 and charge of +1: ⁰₊₁B⁺

Beta minus decay

emits a beta particle with a mass of 0 and charge of -1: ⁰_-1B^-

Electron Capture

type of beta decay in which the nucleus of an atom draws in an inner shell electron

Gamma decay

involves an unstable atomic nuclei dissipating its excess energy by spontaneously releasing gamma rays

Alpha can go through…

not even paper

Beta particles can penetrate…

paper, but not wood

X-ray can penetrate…

paper and wood, but not metal (lead, iron, etc)

Gamma particles can penetrate…

paper and wood, but not metal plates

Neutron can penetrate…

paper, wood, metal, but not water/concrete

Radioactive Half Life - General Formula

amount remaining = initial amount (1/2)ⁿ