Nuclear Chemistry Quest

number of protons and neutrons together

JUST the protons

mass A (% of A) + mass B (% of B) and so on

when an element whose nucleus is unstable emits radiation on its own.

– nucleus becomes more unstable, as the neutron to proton ratio increases. Nucleus gives off radiation to stabilize itself
– cannot speed up or slow down
– all atoms with over 83 protons will automatically decay

when the opening of the nucleus releases a tremendous amount of energy that holds the nucleus together

electrons, not protons and neutrons

when nuclei emits particles and/or rays

when bonds are broken or formed

atoms are converted into atoms of another element

remain unchanged but can be rearranged

protons, neutrons, and electrons

only valence electrons

large amounts

small amounts

nothing

temperature, pressure, concentration

the balance between electromagnetic forces and the strong force

force that holds the nucleus together, much stronger than the proton-proton repulsion force

1 to 1

1.5 to 1

as you add more protons, you have more repulsion and therefore need more neutrons to stabilize the nucleus

it is forced to occur when a stable isotope is found to transmutate into an unstable one. This happens when the nucleus is hit with fast moving particles in order to create new elements

a change in the identity of a nucleus as a result of a change in the # of its protons

ionizes the air around it, glows, kills bacteria and small organisms, causes surroundings to rise in temp.

consists of two protons and two neutrons, a helium

1 over 0, n

an electron.

a positive electron

pure energy called a ray rather than a partice.

referred to as hydrogen-1.

atomic # AND mass #

occurs when a neutron decomposes into a proton and an electron.

electron as the reactant, the nucleus draws in an inner shell electron, ratio below the band of stability

form in an unstable nucleus when a neutron changes into a proton and a positron

the time that it takes for 1/2 of a sample to decompose.

amount remaining= initial amount x 1/2 to the n
n= t/T, t= time elapsed and T= length of the half life

the splitting of atoms. One large atom splits into smaller fragments, neutrons and energy are released.

1) initiation- reaction if a single atom starts the chain (ex 235U and a neutron)
2) propagation- 236U fission releases neutrons that initiate other fissions
3)termination

the combination of small nuclei. Light nuclei are combined at extremely high temps, forming heavy nuclei and giving off energy

excessive heat cannot be contained, attempts at “cold” fusion have failed, “hot” fusion is difficult to contain