CHAPTER 23 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To satisfy the minimum requirements for this course, you should master the following
learning objectives.
Know the physical properties of and be able to recognize and use the symbols for
protons, neutrons, electrons, positrons, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays.
(pg. 988)
Write balanced equations for radioactive decay processes (alpha, beta, gamma and
positron emission and electron capture), identifying the types of radiation and nuclides
involved. (Ex. 23.1, problems 23.5, 23.6, lecture)
Determine the effect of different types of decay on the neutron/proton ratio and predict
the type of decay that a nucleus will undergo based on its composition relative to the
band of stability. (See Figure 23.1, pg. 991).
Know the rules of nuclear stability that are determined by even and odd numbers of
protons and neutrons. (pg. 990-991)
Understand the relationship between nuclear stability and radioactivity and be able to
• use Einstein’s relation, ∆E = ∆mc2, to calculate mass defects, energy changes
in nuclear reactions, and nuclear binding energies.(pg. 992-993, probs 23.19,
23.20)
• interpret the plot of binding energy per nucleon (Fig. 23.2) in terms of nuclear
stability and the energy changes associated with fission and fusion reactions.
Be able to interpret a decay series.(Table 23.3, prob 23.28)
Use first-order kinetics to examine the rates of disintegration reactions and be able to
calculate the half-life, the age of an object (radiochemical dating), and the remaining
amount of radioisotope, given the appropriate data. (pg.997, prob 23.24, 23.26)
Recognize and write balanced equations for nuclear transmutation and nuclear fission
reactions.(Table 23.4, pg. 999-1001, Figure 23.8)
Explain how radioactivity is detected, including a simplified description of the basic
design of a Geiger counter. (Fig. 23.18)
Explain how nuclear reactions can be used to produce energy or weapons and be able to
• describe the relationship between critical mass and chain reactions.(pg 1002)
• explain the functions of the major components of a nuclear reactor (fuel
elements, control rods, moderator, and cooling liquid).(Fig. 23.1)
• explain the fundamental concepts involved in nuclear weapons.(pg. 1003)
• recognize and write balanced equations for nuclear fusion reactions.(pg 1007)
• explain the fundamental concepts involved in nuclear fusion weapons.(pg.
1009)
Understand the factors that determine the biological effects of radiation.(pg. 1012, Table
23.7)
Be able to use units of Ci, rads, RBE and rems in calculations.(pg. 1013)
Understand the meaning of the Key Words on page 1016.