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Chapter 19

Nuclear Chemistry

Book Version 33
By Boundless
Boundless Chemistry
Chemistry
by Boundless
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Section 1
Radioactivity
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Discovery of Radioactivity

Becquerel accidentally found that a uranium-rich mineral emitted invisible, penetrating rays that could darken a photographic plate.

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Modes of Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus emits particles or light waves.

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Rate of Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay rate is exponential and is characterized by constants, such as half-life, as well the activity and number of particles.

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Half-Life of Radioactive Decay

The half-life is a parameter for the rate of decay that is related to the decay constant by: ${t}_{\frac{1}{2}}=\frac{ln2}{\lambda}$ .

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Dating Using Radioactive Decay

Radiometric dating is used to date materials using the decay rate of a radioactive isotope.

Section 2
Nuclear Reactions
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Balancing Nuclear Equations

To balance a nuclear equation, the mass number and atomic numbers of all particles on either side of the arrow must be equal.

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Nuclear Binding Energy and Mass Defect

A nucleus weighs less than its sum of nucleons, a quantity known as the mass defect, caused by release of energy when the nucleus formed.

Section 3
Nuclear Transmutation
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Particle Accelerator

A particle accelerator is a device that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds within well-defined beams.

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Transuranium Elements

Transuranium elements are those beyond uranium, none of which is stable because of radioactive decomposition.

Section 4
Nuclear Fission
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Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission occurs when an atom splits into two or more smaller atoms, most often the as the result of neutron bombardment.

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The Atomic Bomb

Atomic bombs are nuclear weapons that use the energetic output of nuclear fission to produce massive explosions.

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Nuclear Reactors

A nuclear reactor is a piece of equipment in which nuclear chain reactions can be harnessed to produce energy in a controlled way.

Section 5
Nuclear Fusion
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Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei join together to form a single heavier nucleus and large amounts of energy.

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Fusion Reactors

A fusion reactor is designed to use the thermal energy from nuclear fusion to produce electricity.

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The Hydrogen Bomb

The hydrogen bomb is a nuclear weapon that uses a mixture of fission and fusion to produce a massive explosion.

Section 6
Use of Isotopes
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Structural Determination

Structural determination using isotopes is often performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

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Study of Photosynthesis

Mass spectrometry has been used to study the ratio of carbon isotopes in various plants to understand the mechanisms of photosynthesis.

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Isotopes in Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that involves the application of radioactive substances to diagnose or treat disease.

Section 7
Effects of Radiation on Life
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Acute Radiation Damage

Acute radiation syndrome or damage describes health effects present within 24 hours of exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation.

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Increased Cancer Risk from Radiation

Up to 10 percent of invasive cancers are related to radiation exposure, including both ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.

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Genetic Defects from Radiation

Ionizing radiation from fallout can cause genetic effects, birth defects, cancer, cataracts, and other organ and tissue defects.

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Measuring Radiation Exposure

Radiation dosimetry is the measurement and calculation of the absorbed dose from exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation.

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