18 Nuclear Chem
Chapter 18: Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter Goals
Students will learn:
how the nucleus is held together
how to predict nuclear stability
how to perform nuclear decay equations
how to perform nuclear decay series diagrams
how to plot radioactive decay rates and determine an objects age
Objectives
Section 1: Atomic Nuclei and Nuclear Stability
Describe how the strong force attracts nucleons.
Relate binding energy and mass defect.
Construct a nuclear decay series diagram.
Predict the stability of a nucleus by considering factors such as nuclear size, binding energy, and the ratio of neutrons to protons in the nucleus.
Section 2: Nuclear Change
Predict the particles and electromagnetic waves produced by different types of radioactive decay, and write equations for nuclear decays.
Identify examples of nuclear fission, and describe potential benefits and hazards of its use.
Describe nuclear fusion and its potential as an energy source.
Section 3: Uses of Nuclear Chemisty
Define the half-life of a radioactive nuclide, and explain how it can be used to determine an object's age.
Describe some of the uses of nuclear chemistry.
Compare acute and chronic exposures to radiation.
Labs
Determining the Density of Aluminum in Aluminum Foil.
Determining the Thickness of a Single Sheet of Aluminum Foil.
Math Skills
Balancing a Nuclear Equation (Problems A)
Nuclear Decay Series Problems
Determining the Age of an Artifact (Problems B)
Determining the Original Mass of a Sample (Problems C)