Nuclear Chemistry

1997 DBy:

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

+ 234Pu944He2

230X92

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) ANSWERThe 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

E = mc 2

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 fieldβ (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.