Nuclear Physics and Chemistry(190-193, 196-201, 204-211)
1. Radioactivity is a part of our everyday lives. Write a paragraph that summarizes the ways we come into contact with
radiation.
2. In at least three paragraphs, generally describe the three types of radiation(alpha, beta, gamma). Make sure to include
descriptions of the particle, their charges and how they respond to magnets(Fig. 10.3), as well as their ejected velocities and
penetration of materials(Fig. 10.5).
3. What is a nucleon and how is it similar to an electron with regards to energy levels?
4. The nucleus is a battle between two of the strongest forces in nature. Describe how these forces interact. Include an
explanation as to why a nucleus becomes more unstable as it grows larger.
5. How do neutrons exert a stabilizing effect, like “nuclear cement”, on the nucleus? Pay particular attention to how neutrons
interact with electromagnetism and the strong nuclear force.
6. Neutrons by themselves are unstable. Explain the relationship neutrons have with protons and what happens to a neutron
when it de-stabilizes. Relate this change to the overall stability of the nucleus.
7. Using the text and Fig. 10-13, describe the concept of half-life. Include an overview of various half-life durations of different
isotopes.
8. Right under our nose, elements are changing into other elements…this is transmutation. Describe how natural
transmutation occurs. Focus on U-238 as a specific example. Figure 10.15 will help.
9. One of alchemy’s goals was to transmute lead into gold. We now realize this is not possible, however, scientists have
achieved some artificial transmutation. Describe artificial transmutation.
10. Describe how a fission reaction releases an enormous amount of energy. Include the three forms that the energy takes.
11. Use the text and Fig. 10.20 to draw a diagram/equation that shows how the fission of a U-235 nucleus occurs AND can start
a chain reaction. Please label and annotate your drawing.
12. Explain how the mass of radioactive material is “critical” for being able to maintain a chain reaction.
13. Knowing the mass of isotopes is very important. Explain how a mass spectrometer allows us to measure this.
14. Understanding the relationship between mass and energy is essential to understanding how fission and fusion release such
large quantities of energy. In three paragraphs, describe how the decreasing mass of nucleons is the source of such enormous
power. Also explain why Iron holds a special position in this understanding. P1-introduce mass/energy P2-fission P3-fusion
15. For elements to fuse, there must be intense amounts of thermal energy. Describe how thermonuclear fusion is analogous to
chemical combustion.
Nuclear Physics and Chemistry(190-193, 196-201, 204-211)
1. Radioactivity is a part of our everyday lives. Write a paragraph that summarizes the ways we come into contact with
radiation.
2. In at least three paragraphs, generally describe the three types of radiation(alpha, beta, gamma). Make sure to include
descriptions of the particle, their charges and how they respond to magnets(Fig. 10.3), as well as their ejected velocities and
penetration of materials(Fig. 10.5).
3. What is a nucleon and how is it similar to an electron with regards to energy levels?
4. The nucleus is a battle between two of the strongest forces in nature. Describe how these forces interact. Include an
explanation as to why a nucleus becomes more unstable as it grows larger.
5. How do neutrons exert a stabilizing effect, like “nuclear cement”, on the nucleus? Pay particular attention to how neutrons
interact with electromagnetism and the strong nuclear force.
6. Neutrons by themselves are unstable. Explain the relationship neutrons have with protons and what happens to a neutron
when it de-stabilizes. Relate this change to the overall stability of the nucleus.
7. Using the text and Fig. 10-13, describe the concept of half-life. Include an overview of various half-life durations of different
isotopes.
8. Right under our nose, elements are changing into other elements…this is transmutation. Describe how natural
transmutation occurs. Focus on U-238 as a specific example. Figure 10.15 will help.
9. One of alchemy’s goals was to transmute lead into gold. We now realize this is not possible, however, scientists have
achieved some artificial transmutation. Describe artificial transmutation.
10. Describe how a fission reaction releases an enormous amount of energy. Include the three forms that the energy takes.
11. Use the text and Fig. 10.20 to draw a diagram/equation that shows how the fission of a U-235 nucleus occurs AND can start
a chain reaction. Please label and annotate your drawing.
12. Explain how the mass of radioactive material is “critical” for being able to maintain a chain reaction.
13. Knowing the mass of isotopes is very important. Explain how a mass spectrometer allows us to measure this.
14. Understanding the relationship between mass and energy is essential to understanding how fission and fusion release such
large quantities of energy. In three paragraphs, describe how the decreasing mass of nucleons is the source of such enormous
power. Also explain why Iron holds a special position in this understanding. P1-introduce mass/energy P2-fission P3-fusion
15. For elements to fuse, there must be intense amounts of thermal energy. Describe how thermonuclear fusion is analogous to
chemical combustion.