Nuclear Chemistry Overview

A series of lessons introduces the topic of nuclear chemistry, which began with the discovery of radioactivity in 1896 by the French physicist Antoine Becquerel and became increasingly important throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, providing the foundation for technologies related to energy, medicine, geology, and many other fields.

Nuclear Structure and Stability

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Render a description of nuclear structure in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons; Determine by calculation the mass defect and binding energy appertaining to nuclei; Elucidate the trends observed in the relative stability of nuclei.

Nuclear Equations

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Identify common particles and energies involved in nuclear reactions; Write and balance nuclear equations.

Radioactive Decay

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Recognize the common modes of radioactive decay; Identify the common particles and energies involved in nuclear decay reactions; Write and balance nuclear decay equations; Calculate the kinetic parameters for decay processes, to include the half-life; Render a description of the common techniques of radiometric dating.

Transmutation and Nuclear Energy

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Describe the synthesis of transuranium nuclides; Explain the processes of nuclear fission and fusion; Relate the concepts of critical mass and nuclear chain reactions; Summarise the basic requirements for nuclear fission and fusion reactors.

Uses of Radioisotopes

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Enumerate the common applications of radioactive isotopes.

Biological Effects of Radiation

By the end of this section, the pupil shall be enabled to: Describe the biological impact resulting from ionizing radiation; Define the units employed for the measurement of radiation exposure; Explain the operation of the common apparatus for the detection of radioactivity.