Transcript Nuclear Chemistry - Lyme Central School

-The process by which materials give off rays.
-The penetrating rays and particles emitted by a radioactive
source are called radiation.
-In nuclear reactions, the nuclei of unstable isotopes, called
radio isotopes, gain stability by undergoing change.
-An unstable nucleus releases energy by emitting radiation
during the process of radioactive decay.
Alpha Radiation-
Beta Radiation-
Gamma Radiation-
Transmutation- The conversion of an
atom of one element to an atom of
another element.
Transmutation can occur by radioactive
decay. Transmutation can also occur
when particles bombard the nucleus of
an atom.
Trans-uranium Elements- Elements
above atomic number 92 (uranium). All
trans-uranium elements undergo
transmutation.
Fission- the splitting of a nucleus into smaller
fragments.
In a chain reaction, some of the neutrons produced
react with more fissionable atoms, producing more
neutrons which react with still more fissionable
atoms.
Fusion- nuclei combine to produce a nucleus of
greater mass.
Fusion reactions, in which small nuclei combine,
release much more energy than fission reactions, in
which large nuclei split.
Detecting Radiation- Radiation cannot be seen, heard, felt, or
smelled. Machines such as Geiger counters, Scintillation counters
and Film Badges are used to detect radiation.
Radioactivity and radiation are used in medical diagnosis, and in
the treatment of some diseases, including some forms of cancer.