Transcript Nuclear Chemistry 1997 D

Nuclear
Chemistry
1997 D
By:
Stephanie Chen
and
Stephanie Ng
1997 D
Answer each of the following questions
regarding radioactivity.
1997 D (a)
Write the nuclear equation for decay of
234Pu by alpha emission.
1997 D (a) ANSWER
234Pu
94

4He
2
+
230
92
X
1997 D (b)
Account for the fact that they total mass of
the products of the reaction in part (a) is
slightly less than that of the original a
234Pu.
1997 D (b) ANSWER
The total mass of the products of the reaction
in part (a) is slightly less than that of the
original a(234,94) Pu because of the
Binding Energy in order for fission to occur,
there must be a release of neutrons,
forming energy. This energy is known as
the “mass defect” where mass is converted
into energy as shown in Einstein’s equation
2
E = mc
1997 D (c)
Describe how α, β, and γ rays each behave
when they pass through an electric field.
Use the diagram below to illustrate your
answer.
1997 D (c) ANSWER
Regular with no positive or negative charge
With positive & negative in electric field
β (beta)
γ (gamma)
α (alpha)
1997 D (d)
Why is it not possible to eliminate the hazard
of nuclear waste by the process of
incineration?
1997 D (d) ANSWER
The half – lifes of nuclear products have
enormous time frames in order for it to
decay all together. The process of
incineration it would speed up the decay of
half – life only a mere percentage.