MODULE 3: CHEM LECTURE
like here in the destroyed Japanese plant
RADIOACTIVITY AND NUCLEAR CHANGE
Radioactivity is the spontaneous
transmutation of an atomic nucleus from one
state to another, which yields various
radiations.
In 1896, Henri Becquerel (a French physicist)
discovered natural radioactivity coming from
uranium compound.
He was investigating phosphorescence in
uranium salts. Becquerel wrapped a
fluorescent substance, potassium uranyl
sulfate, in photographic plates.
Photographic plate exposure caused by two
uranium ore rocks.
Uranium is transformed into lead while
releasing invisible radiation “Becquerel rays” or
radioactivity.
Effects of nuclear radiation on the human
body:
Alpha radiation is shown as a worm-like
structure. The spider-web like threads in the
middle show beta radiation. The human body
has no way of sensing radioactivity, so we do
not even notice when we have been exposed
to radioactivity.
This is why people who work in nuclear plants,
Fukushima, are completely dependent on their
radiation exposure detectors. Acute damage
can be caused when exposure reaches 200
millisieverts or more, but lower dosages can
cause late effects.
Dust particles in the air absorb nuclear
radiation and this causes stress to our lungs
and thyroid glands. Even if it sounds odd, water
that is contaminated with radiation can cause
severe burns. Alpha radiation is less damaging
and the rays can be partially blocked with a
sheet of paper. It would take a sheet of metal
to block beta rays. You need thick layers of
dense material, such as lead, to protect
yourself from gamma radiation. A nuclear
meltdown causes acute radiation exposure that
is multiplied by the fact that foodstuffs remain
contaminated for years afterwards. The
exposure limit of 200 millisieverts hints at a
level of safety that no one can guarantee.
RADIOACTIVE DECAY
Nuclear Stability
Parts of an atom:
- A strong nuclear force holds the positive
protons and neutral neutrons together in the
nucleus and is what determines if a nucleus
is stable.
Stable Nuclei:
- The force is strong.
- Brings sufficient energy to hold the nucleus - New Element is formed, 1 place higher in
together permanently. the periodic table.

Unstable Nuclei:
- Have too many protons or too many
neutrons upsetting the strong nuclear
forces.
- Balance themselves by giving off the
excess proton or neutron. THIS IS
RADIOACTIVE DECAY.
- Unstable nuclei are radioactive and emit
radiation.
BETA (+) DECAY
Three types of decay: - Isotope has too many protons.
Alpha, Beta (-), & Beta (+) - A proton changes into a neutron and an a
positive beta particle: POSITRON
ALPHA DECAY - Positron: same mass as electrons, but the
- Loss of an Alpha particle. opposite charge.
- Alpha particle: 2 neutrons and 2 protons. - Mass Number: remain the same
- Mass: 4 - Atomic Number: Decreases (-1)
- Charge: +2 - New Element is formed, 1 place lower? in
- Mass number: Decrease (-4) the periodic table.
- Atomic Number: Decreases (-2)
- New Element is formed, 2 places lower in HOW TO KNOW IF THE ATOM IS STABLE
the periodic table. OR UNSTABLE?

Determine if a radioactive isotope is likely

to decay by:
- By proton neutron nz graph.
- If a radioisotope lies left or right of the
stability line it is unstable and likely to decay
to become stable.

BETA (-) DECAY

- Isotope has too many neutrons.
- A neutron changes into a proton and an
electron, the proton is retained by the atom
while the electron is lost.
- The lost electron is high energy, BETA
PARTICLE.
- Mass Number: remain the same
- Atomic Number: increases (+1)
 - Is essentially a highly electric form of light.

THREE TYPES OF RADIATION:

Ernest Rutherford explained the nature of the 3

types of radiation emitted by radioactive
substances that occur in nature.

IONIZING POWER OF α β & γ RAYS

Ionization is the physical process of converting
an atom or molecule into an ion by adding or
removing charged particles such as electrons
or other ions.

ALPHA RADIATION (α rays)

- Are nuclei ejected from the radioactive
substance at speeds around 16,000 km/s.

BETA RADIATION (β rays)

- Are electrons ejected from the radioactive
substance at approximately 130,000 km/s.

GAMMA RADIATION (γ rays)

 TYPES OF NUCLEAR REACTION

Nuclear change can happen in 2 ways:

CHEMICAL CHANGE VS NUCLEAR CHANGE
Chemical Change:
- No new elements can be produced.
- Usually only the outermost electrons
(valence electrons) participate during
chemical reaction.
- Chemical changes release or absorb
relatively small amounts of energy.
- The rate of chemical reaction depends on
factors such as concentration, temperature,
presence of a catalyst and the nature of its
reactants.
(a) Nuclear fission- the splitting of heavy
and unstable nuclei to form smaller
fragments.
(b) Nuclear fusion- the union of lighter
nuclei to form a heavier and stable
nuclei.
BOTH changes are highly exothermic
processes.

Nuclear Change:
- Elements may be converted form one kind
to another.
- In a nuclear reaction, particles within the
nucleus (protons and neutrons) are
involved.
- Nuclear change release or absorb
tremendous amounts of energy.
- The rate of nuclear reaction is influenced by
the rate of release of neutrons.
BALANCING NUCLEAR REACTIONS

WRITING NUCLEAR EQUATIONS

Two requirements for the equation for a

nuclear reaction:

1.) The sum of the mass numbers (the left

superscript in the nuclide symbol) of the
reactants must equal the sum of the mass
numbers of the products.

2.) The sum of atomic numbers (the left

subscript in the nuclide symbol) of the
reactants must equal the sum of the atomic
numbers of the products; this maintains charge
balance.

Types of Radioactive Decay Processes