Problem Set 1: Nuclear Chemistry and Atomic Structure
CHEM421
Problem Set 1: Nuclear Chemistry and Atomic Structure
Due Date: Friday January 25th , 2019
Problem 1
Consider the following questions regarding nuclear reactions:
a) A particular radioactive element X can undergo nuclear fission in order to form xenon-140
and strontium-93 nuclei, the entire process is detailed in the nuclear reaction shown below:
X −−→
140
54Xe
+ 93
38Sr + 3 n
(1)
Identify the original radioactive isotope X that underwent this fission process.
b) Write the balanced nuclear equation for neutron capture by
80
35Br
Problem 2
Which orbital, 3p or 3d, gives an electron a greater probability of being found close to the nucleus.
Explain your answer. (Please use the concept of angular momentum in this explanation....pictures
may also help).
Problem 3
Provide valid ground-state electron configurations for the following atoms/ions: (a) Sc, (b) V3+ ,
(c) Mn2+ , (d) Cr2+ , (e) Co3+ , (f) Cr6+ , (g) Cu, (h) Gd3+
Problem 4
One possible source of neutrons for neutron-capturing processes is the reaction of 22 Ne with αparticles to produce 25 Mg and neutrons. Write the balanced equation for this nuclear reaction.
Problem 5
An approximation to the ionization energy (I) for an electron in an atom with an effective nuclear
charge (Zeff ) is:
Z2
I ≈ eff
n2
The ionization energies of rubidium and silver are 4.18 and 7.57 eV, respectively. Calculate the
ionization energies of an H atom with its electron in the same orbitals as in these two atoms and
account for the difference in values.
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