Nuclear Reactions

A reaction in which the nucleus of an atom is affected is called nuclear reaction.

Formula for finding the energy

E=mc2:

(E) = Energy
(m) = Mass
(c) = Velocity of light
Difference between nuclear and chemical reaction

In a chemical reaction, the nucleus of an atom doesnt change.

In a nuclear reaction, the nucleus of an atom changes.
In a nuclear reaction, some of the mass is changed into energy.
In a chemical reaction, the mass remains the same.

Radioactive decay

When an unstable nucleus gives off energy or particles is called nuclear decay.
Nuclear radiations are the particles or energy produced during radioactive decay.
 Radioactive particles
Alpha particles

They consist of two protons and two neutrons.

They are similar to helium and have +2 charge.

Beta particles

There are two types of beta particles.

One beta particle has +1 charge (Positron).
The other beta particle has -1 charge (electron).

Gamma particles

Gamma particles have the highest energy rays.

They have no mass.
They have the highest penetrating power.
 Radioactive decay
How does radioactive decay affect matter?

Alpha rays have low peetrating power.

Gamma rays have high penetrating power and can even penetrate body cells causing
sickness (hair loss, fatiague, vomiting etc.).
Long exposer to radition can increase the risk of cancer.

Uses of radioactive decay

Radioactive radition is used to determine the age of fosilles.

Radioactive radition is also used to find and treat cancer.
Nuclear fission

The reaction in which unstable nucleus break into smaller nuclei.

Uranium and other elements can under go fission reaction naturally or when hit with
neutrons.
Source of nuclear power

Uranium 235 is the fuel for nuclear power-plant.

Neutrons are relesed when uranium nucleus splits and their neutrons hits other
uranium atoms and make a chain reaction.
Nuclear reactions in power-plants are controlled reactions.
Uncontrolled reactions result in atomic/nuclear bombs.
How do neulear power-plats work?

Nuclear then thermal then mechanical then electrical

[NTME]
Advantage

Large amount of energy can be created

No green house effect
Disadvantage

Explosion can occur

Radioactive waste
 Nuclear fusion

A reaction in which smaller nuclei combine to make massive nucleus and lots of
energy.
Nucler fusion has more energy than nuclear fission.
Ex. Nuclear fusion in the sun.