Nuclear Chemistry
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe nuclear structure in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Calculate mass defect and binding energy for nuclei
Explain trends in the relative stability of nuclei
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Identify common particles and energies involved in nuclear reactions
Write and balance nuclear equations
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Recognize common modes of radioactive decay
Identify common particles and energies involved in nuclear decay reactions
Write and balance nuclear decay equations
Calculate kinetic parameters for decay processes, including half-life
Describe common radiometric dating techniques
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the synthesis of transuranium nuclides
Explain nuclear fission and fusion processes
Relate the concepts of critical mass and nuclear chain reactions
Summarize basic requirements for nuclear fission and fusion reactors
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
List common applications of radioactive isotopes
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the biological impact of ionizing radiation
Define units for measuring radiation exposure
Explain the operation of common tools for detecting radioactivity
List common sources of radiation exposure in the US