Nuclear Chemistry – Summary/Notes
*How to talk about isotopes
Name: Carbon-12 (< mass number)
(^ element)
Symbol: (mass >) 12
(protons >) 6
C
(< element symbol)
Stable Isotopes:
All elements (except Hydrogen) have at least the same number of neutrons as protons. Heavier
elements have more neutrons than protons. The band of stability tells us which isotopes will be
radioactive and what type of transmutation they will likely experience.
(To see a high res version of this photo: http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/@api/deki/files/38743/2000pxTable_isotopes_en.svg.png?revision=1)
Chemical vs Nuclear Reactions
Chemical Reactions: Atoms rearrange, outer electrons "do stuff"
Nuclear Reactions: Change in nucleus of atoms
** Nuclear reactions release MUCH more energy than chemical reactions**
(refer to Crash Course Chemistry 39 to see Hank calculate the energy using e=mc2)
Transmutations
Radioactive Decay: Unstable nuclei release particles to become stable
Remember, changing protons changes an atom into a different element
Half-life: How much time it takes for half a sample to decay
For each of the types of radiation, consult the information in your study guide and prior packets!
Fission - Nucleus Split
• Elements above ^56 Fe in mass
• Shoot a neutron at it, releases neutrons, chain reactions happen
• Happens in nuclear power plants, some nuclear weapons
Fusion - Nucleons Combine
• Elements below ^56 Fe
• Needs really high temperature and pressure
• Happens in the sun/stars, hydrogen bombs
Additional Resources:
Khan Academy video: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/nuclear-chemistry/radioactive-decay/v/typesof-decay (Thanks for sharing, Narek!)
Fission vs. Fusion:
http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Nuclear_Chemistry/Fission_and_Fusion/Nuclear_Fission_vs_Nuclear_
Fusion (Thanks for sharing, Matteo!)
Band of Stability Practice:
http://chembridge.cm.utexas.edu/handoutkey/1.07%20Band%20of%20Stability%20worksheets%20KEY.pdf (Thanks for
sharing, Michaela!)
Phet Simulations
These simulations will show you what various nuclear processes look like/how they work. These are interactive and fun
to play around with, however most of them DO NOT work on your iPads. Use them from a home computer.
Alpha Decay: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
Beta Decay: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/beta-decay
Isotopes and Atomic Mass: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/isotopes-and-atomic-mass
Nuclear Fission: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/nuclear-fission
Radioactive Dating: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/radioactive-dating-game