Chemistry: Objectives - Chapter 25

Chemistry: Objectives - Chapter 25

Goals : The student will gain an understanding of :

1.  Nuclear stability and radioactive decay.

2.  The kinetics of radioactive decay

3.  Detection and uses of radioactivity.

4.  Thermodynamic stability of the nucleus.

5.  Nuclear fission and fusion.

6.  Effects of radiation.

Objectives : The student will be able to:

1.  Describe the nucleus of an atom in terms of size and density.

2.  Describe the particles (neutrons, protons and quarks) that make up the nucleus.

3.  Define the following terms: atomic number, mass number (contrast to atomic weight or mass), isotope, nucleon, and nuclide.

4.  Correctly represent nuclides symbolically.

5.  Describe the thermodynamic stability and kinetic stability of nuclei.

6.  Describe the zone of stability and state the four factors that determine the stability or instability of nuclei.

7.  Relate the number (odd or even) of neutrons and protons to the stability of a nucleus.

8.  Describe the following types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and positrons, give their symbols and correctly write and balance nuclear equations for decay using these particles.

9.  Describe the process of electron capture and write and balance nuclear equations involving electron capture.

10.  Describe what a decay series is.

11.  Define "half-life" and be able to calculate the half life of a radioactive substance.

12.  Use the half life of a substance to calculate how long a radioactive substance has existed or how much of a radioactive substance will remain after a given amount of time.

13.  Describe a nuclear transformation and give an example.

14.  State how a particle accelerator works and state its use.

15.  State the advantage and disadvantages of using neutrons in particle accelerators.

16.  Describe the transuranium elements.

17.  Explain how Geiger counters and scintillation counters work.

18.  Explain the nuclear changes that occur in carbon-14 dating and calculate the age of sample containing C-14 from given data.

19.  State the use of radiotracers and give an example.

20.  Describe the thermodynamic stability of a given nucleus.

21.  Define "mass defect."

22.  Calculate the binding energy of given nuclei.

23.  Describe the processes of nuclear fission and fusion.

24.  Explain how a chain reaction occurs and distinguish between subcritical, critical and super critical masses.

25.  Explain how a nuclear reactor works to produce electrical energy.

26.  Describe breeder reactors.

27.  Give an example of where nuclear fusion occurs naturally.

28.  State some problems of controlled fusion.

29.  Describe the effects on body tissues of radiation distinguishing between somatic damage and genetic damage.

30.  State four factors which will determine the amount of tissue damage done by radiation.

31.  Define "rem."

32.  Describe the linear and threshold models of radiation damage.

I. Complete the following table by giving the correct nuclear symbol(s) for each particle.

Particle / Symbol(s)
alpha
beta
gamma
positron
electron
neutron

II.  Complete the following nuclear reactions. Be sure to fill in any missing numbers on the given nuclear symbols

before completing the reaction. Identify the type of reaction.

1. + ® + ______

2. + ® + ______

3. + ® + ______

4. + ® +______

5. + ® + ______

6. + ® + ______

7. + ______® +

8. + ______® +

9. + ® + + ______

10. + ® + ______

11. + ® + ______

12. ® + ______

13. + ® + ______

14. + ® + ______