Chemistry - Chapter 2 - The Nucleus

This image shows a large nucleus being hit by a fast moving alpha particle. The result is the creation of a new element.

What is the term used when one atom is converted into another?

• Transmutation

• Alchemy

• Honors Chemistry

• Nuclear Medicine

Generally, positive charges will push away, or repel, each other. In the nucleus however, this fundamental force hold the protons and neutrons together.

• The weak nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
• Electromagnetic force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
• Gravity holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
• The strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

The three types of radioactive decay discussed: alpha, beta, and gamma. Put the following items in the correct categories based on their type of decay.

Groups:

(a) Alpha Decay

,

(b) Beta Decay

,

(c) Gamma Decay

• ²³⁵U₉₂ -> ²³⁵U₉₂ + ___

• ⁰e_-1

• ⁴He₂

• ⁰γ₀

• ²²²Rn₈₆ -> ²¹⁸Po₈₄ + ___

• ⁶⁰Co₂₇ -> ⁶⁰Ni₂₈ + ___

Balance the following nuclear equation.

²¹⁰Po₈₄ -> ²⁰⁶Pb₈₂ + ______

The rate at which a parent isotope decays into a daughter isotope is called the ____.

• half-life

• decay rate

• decomposition rate

• isotopic rate

The half-life of radon-222 is 3.8 days. How much of a 100 gram sample is left after 15.2 days?

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Nuclear ​ (a)   occurs when a high energy particle collides with an unstable nucleus causing the two to become one larger nucleus and releasing a large amount of energy.

Nuclear ​ (b)   occurs when an unstable nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei and releasing energy and possibly a high energy particle.

• fusion
• fission
• reactions
• decay

Some forms of radiation pose a risk to human health. Medical tools like X-rays and CT imaging can be hazardous in large doses because they emit a form of _____ which can knock electrons off of atoms.

• ionizing radiation

• chemical reaction

• gamma decay

• isomeration

Currently, nuclear fission reactions can occure in the safety of a nuclear power plant. Label the diagram with the main components of a common power plant.

c

d

e

b

a

Reactor Core

Steam

Turbine

Fuel Rods

Generator