Topic 2: Nuclear Chemistry

The stabilty of an isotope depends on the ratio of protons to neutrons in the nucleus

• The nuclei will spontaneously decay, emitting radiation

• Stable isotopes have a 1:1 proton to neutron ratio

• All elements 83+ are radioactive

A change in the nucleus of an atom changes it to a new type of atom is called transmutation

• Artifical transmussion requires the bombardment of a nucleus by high energy particles

Nuclear reactions include natural and artifical decay, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom is. split. This can be caused by shooting the nucleas with an electron

• Nuclear fusion combines two light nuclei to form heavier nulcei.

• Nuclear fusion requires high tempatures

• The energy released from nuclear reactions is much greater than the released from chemical reactions