Cosmic/Nuclear Chemistry

This unit is the fundamental building blocks of Chemistry. We learned about Atomic Theory and Atomic structure to establish a base of knowledge. We practiced with worksheets on half-life, nuclear binding energy, scientific notation, and radioactive decay. We learned the history of atomic models and the scientists who made them. We learned about stars and what is happening inside the sun.

Radioactive Decay

` Radioactive decay is the spontaneous disintegration of a nucleus into a slightly lighter nucleus. In the equation, total atomic number and mass number must be equal on both sides.

Alpha Decay: the nucleus is too large and an alpha particle (α) is released

ex: ²¹⁰₈₄Po → ₂⁴He + ²⁰⁶₈₂Po

Beta Decay: Occurs when atoms are unstable because of too many neutrons compared to protons. A neutron is converted into a proton and an electron.

ex: ¹⁴₆C →⁰₋₁β + ¹⁴₇N

Positron Emission: When atoms are unstable because they have too many protons. A proton can be converted into a neutron by emitting a positron (a particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge.

ex: ³⁸₁₉K→⁰₊₁e + ³⁸₁₈Ar

Electron Capture: Nucleus is unstable because it has too many protons. An inner orbital electron gets "captured" by the nucleus and combines with a proton to form a neutron.

ex: ¹⁰⁰₄₇Ag→⁰₋₁e + ¹⁰⁶₄₆Pd

Gamma Emission (ɣ): Occurs after other types of decay where gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus.

ex: ²²⁶₈₈Ru → ⁴₂ɑ + ²²²₈₆Rn + ɣ

Nuclear Fission: A very heavy nucleus is split into two or more stable nuclei.

ex: ²³⁵₉₂U + ¹₀n → ⁹³₃₆Kn + ¹⁴⁰₅₆Ba + 3¹₀n + lots of energy

Nuclear Fusion: Low mass nuclei combine to form a heavier, more stable nucleus

ex: ¹₁H + ⁴₂He → ⁵₃Li + lots of energy

Reflection:

This unit, I learned many new things I had never heard of before and this was very interesting. I think my best skill this unit was critically thinking because I had to think about lots of new things. I was able to use the new information we learned and work to solve problems we were given about it. Radioactive decay was fun for me to learn, despite the new challenge. I was able to ask for help when I needed it and did my best to learn from my mistakes. Collaboration was also a strong skill for me. My table group and I worked together to problem solve and ask each other questions about the material we were learning. We were all able to learn from each other and when we couldn't help each other we asked others for help. We were all happy to learn new skills together. We were able to work together on many confusing half-life and radioactive decay worksheets, figuring them out together.

Two skills I think I can improve on are conscientious learning and communicator. It was difficult to manage time because our group got along so well, we got distracted easily. I found it hard to communicate when I was doing well. Explaining my thought proccess was difficult and I could comminicate when I was struggling, but not when I was doing well. Setting goals was not as much of a struggle but sometimes having a growth mindset was. Difficult concepts make it hard to feel like you will be able to retain any new information, but pushing through is the best way to continue. Going forward I am going to work on explaining my thought proccess better to be more clear to my teammates. I also am going to work on managing my time and not getting distracted, focusing on growth rather than giving up.