concept 3 - nuclear chemistry

nuclear reaction

changes within the nucleus

chemical reaction

the rearrangement of electrons

alpha

release of alpha particles from the nucleus, loose 2p and 2n

beta

release of beta particles from the nucleus, neutron splits into a proton and electron

gamma

release of gamma rays from nucleus, form of electromagnetic energy

how is alpha harmful

particles can break down DNA molecules and mutate cells

how is beta harmful

most dangerous when in body, kills cells and DNA mutations

how is gamma harmful

dangerous because travels through air, can travel across galaxies

how is alpha helpful

helps with smoke detectors and power generators

how is beta helpful

helps with cancer treatment

how is gamma helpful

helps with cancer treatment

nuclear fission

splitting of 1 larger atom into 2 or more smaller ones - radioactive waste

nuclear fusion

fusing of 2 or more lighter atoms into a larger one - no radioactive waste

nuclear chemistry

the study of changes to the nucleus of an atom

radioactive isotopes

less stable isotopes

radioactive decay

unstable nucleus can no longer hold itself together, so it loses energy and releases radiation

radioactivity

the emission of radiation

radiation

small particles and rays released during a nuclear reaction

half-life

how long it takes half of an atom to decay

chain reaction

when a single event causes another one or more

nucleosynthesis

the formation of new elements through nuclear chemistry