NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

Chemical reaction Nuclear reaction

Involves valence electrons

Involves nucleus

Can’t change the element’s identity (can only rearrange its atoms)

Can change the identity of the element through a transmutation reaction

Can give off heat, light, or other energy form

Gives off nuclear particles or radiation

Strong nuclear force---holds the nucleus together (overcomes proton repulsion)

Electrostatic force—attractive force between protons and electrons (holds entire atom together)

2 REASONS WHY SOMETHING IS RADIOACTIVE?

Past atomic # 83

An isotope (Ex: C—14)

3 RADIOACTIVE PARTICLES

Alpha—a helium nucleus; least penetrating power

Beta—a high energy electron

Gamma---most penetrating; pure energy

1. Why is cobalt—60 radioactive? 2. Why is Francium radioactive? 3. What force holds the entire atom together? 4. What force holds the nucleus together? 5. Write the nuclear equation for the alpha

decay of Polonium. 6. Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay

of Bk—249.

PASS THE BALL—NUCLEAR REVIEW

1. Give 1 difference between chemical vs. nuclear reactions.

2.Give another difference. 3.Give 1 reason why something is radioactive. 4.Give another reason for radioactivity. 5.Name the 3 radioactive particles in order of increasing

penetration. 6.Which radioactive particle decreases atomic number by 2

and mass by 4? 7.Which radioactive particle increases atomic number by 1

and does not change mass? 8.Which force holds the atom’s nucleus together? 9.Which force holds the entire atom together through the

force of attraction between protons and electrons? 10. What’s the difference between fission and fusion?