Nuclear Chemistry & Radioactive Decay: Key Concepts and Reactions

What is the main difference between a nuclear reaction and a chemical reaction?

In a nuclear reaction, the structure of the nucleus of an atom changes completely, while in a chemical reaction, one element cannot be transformed into another.

What is a nuclear reaction?

A type of reaction where the nucleus of an atom changes completely while releasing energy.

What happens to a Uranium atom during a nuclear reaction?

A Uranium atom with 92 protons breaks into two atoms: Barium (56 protons) and Krypton (36 protons).

What does the nucleus of an atom contain?

The nucleus contains both protons and neutrons.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element that have differing numbers of neutrons.

How is radioactivity defined?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous decay of an unstable nucleus, where the nucleus may break apart into two or more particles with the release of energy.

What occurs in an unstable isotope?

The nucleus undergoes nuclear decay and breaks apart, sometimes producing another unstable isotope that also decays.

What are the three primary ways that naturally occurring radioactive isotopes decay?

Alpha particle emission, beta particle emission, and gamma radiation emission.

What happens during alpha decay?

A nucleus splits into two pieces: a pair of protons and a pair of neutrons (helium nucleus or alpha particle), and the parent nucleus minus the alpha particle.

What occurs during beta decay?

A neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton, increasing the atomic number of the element and discharging an electron.

What is gamma decay?

A high-energy photon is emitted from an unstable nucleus, lowering the energy of the nucleus to make it more stable.

How does gamma radiation compare to X-rays?

Gamma radiation is similar to X-rays in that it is high energy and has a short wavelength.

What is the general equation for gamma decay?

A → A + 𝜸, where A is the excited nucleus, A is the nucleus in a lower energy state, and 𝜸 represents the gamma ray photon.

What is the significance of the forces in the nucleus?

Forces in the nucleus counteract the repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together.

What is the role of energy release in nuclear reactions?

Energy is released when the nucleus changes structure during nuclear reactions.

What is the relationship between unstable isotopes and nuclear decay?

Unstable isotopes undergo nuclear decay, which can produce further unstable isotopes that also decay.

What is the atomic number change during beta decay?

The atomic number increases by one due to the conversion of a neutron into a proton.

What is an alpha particle?

An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

What defines a stable nucleus?

A stable nucleus is one where the forces holding it together are sufficient to prevent decay.

What is the significance of nuclear chemistry in engineering?

Nuclear chemistry is important for understanding energy production, nuclear reactions, and the behavior of radioactive materials.