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Natural Radioactivity
Nuclear Equations
Producing Radioactive Isotopes
Half-Life
Nuclear Fission and Fusion
1
Subatomic Particles
• Protons- plus charge
In the nucleus
• Neutrons- neutral
2
Radiation
• Radiation comes from the nucleus of an
atom.
• Unstable nucleus emits a particle or energy
α alpha
β beta
γ gamma
3
Alpha Particle
Same as a helium nucleus
(He)
4
2 He or α
Two protons
Two neutrons
4
Beta Particle β
e or β
−1
5
Gamma γ Radiation
• Pure radiation
6
Radiation Protection
• Shielding
alpha – paper, clothing
beta – lab coat, gloves
gamma- lead, thick concrete
• Limit time exposed
• Keep distance from source
7
Radiation Protection
8
Balancing Nuclear Equations
9
Alpha decay
10
Beta decay
234
Th → 234
Pa + 0e
90 91 −1
beta particle
11
Gamma radiation
11
B 11
B + 0
γ
5 5 0
boron atom in a
high-energy state
12
Learning Check NR1
13
Solution NR1
60
Co 60
Ni + 0
e
27 28 -1
14
Producing Radioactive
Isotopes
Bombardment of atoms produces
radioisotopes
= 60 = 60
59
Co + 1n Mn +
56
He
4
27 0 25 2
= 27 = 27
cobalt neutron manganese alpha
atom radioisotope particle
15
Learning Check NR2
10
B + 4He ? + 1
n
5 2 0
16
Solution NR2
10
B + 4He 13
N + 1
n
5 2 7 0
nitrogen
radioisotope
17
Half-Life of a Radioisotope
decay curve
initial
1
half-life
2 3
8 mg 4 mg 2 mg 1 mg
18
Examples of Half-Life
20
Solution NR3
t1/2 = 13 hrs
26 hours = 2 x t1/2
Amount initial = 64mg
Amount remaining = 64 mg x ½ x ½
= 16 mg
21
Nuclear Fission
Fission
large nuclei break up
235
U + 1n 139
Ba + 94Kr + 3 1n + Energy
92 0 56 36 0
22
Fission
23
Nuclear Fusion
Fusion
small nuclei combine
2
H + 3
H 4
He + 1n + Energy
1 1 2 0
• 1 Nucleus splits
• 1+2 Large amounts of energy released
• 2 Small nuclei form larger nuclei
• 2 Hydrogen nuclei react
26