CHEM 111 - Nuclear Chemistry Handout

Things you should know or be able to do:

1. Be able to describe the differences between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

2. Know what causes isotopes to be "radioactive".

3. Be able to balance simple nuclear reactions:

For example:

A. What isotope is formed when Samarium-146 undergoes alpha decay?

B. What isotope undergoes beta decay to form Thorium-227?

4. Know the terms used to describe radiation exposure.

5. Know the difference between fusion and fission.

6. Be able to name at least three uses for radioactive isotopes either from lecture or your reading assignment.

7. Describe how uranium isotopes are used to produce electricity?

8. Be able to perform half-life calculations for first order decay.

Example:

Isotope X has a half-life of 32.5 minutes. Given 15.0 mg of the isotope, how much will remain after25.0 minutes.