Introduction for Module 12 – Nuclear Chemistry

Textbook: Open Stax Chemistry 2e

Suggested Reading: Chapter 21 (especially 21.1-21.3)

Learning Objectives:

• Describe nuclear structure in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Explain trends in the relative stability of nuclei
• Identify common particles and energies involved in nuclear reactions
• Calculate kinetic parameters for decay processes, including half-life

Captions and Attributions:

• The chain reaction of the nuclear fission of Uranium 235 (U-235) begins with a neutron bombarding the fissile U-235 nucleus. Figure 21.14 When a slow neutron hits a fissionable U-235 by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• There are some particles that very commonly participate in nuclear reactions, and are related to known decay processes. Figure 21.4 Although many species are encountered in nuclear reactions by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• Various nuclear decay reactions are shown here. The name of the reaction is based on the particle that is leaving or combining with the initial nucleus. Figure 21.7 This table summarizes the type, nuclear equation by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• The “band of stability” shows the trend of the number of neutrons needed to create a stable nucleus as an atom grows larger. The center of this band can be predicted by the atomic mass of an element. Figure 21.2 This plot shows the nuclides that are known to exist by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• First order kinetics – such as that of nuclear decay – divide in half over set periods of time (half life) and shows the following plot of decay over time. Figure 21.10 For cobalt-60, which has a half-life of 5.27 years by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• C-14 dating can be used to calculate the age of a sample, as all living things will have a known amount of C-14 present. Figure 21.11 Along with stable carbon-12, radioactive carbon-14 by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.