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Transcript
SIMPLE NUCLEAR REACTIONS When a reaction causes a change to occur within the nucleus of an atom it is called a nuclear reaction. When balancing nuclear reactions, the sum of the mass numbers on both sides must be the same and the sum of the atomic numbers on both sides must be the same. NUCLEAR FUSION: This type of reaction occurs only at extreme temperatures (like the surface of the sun). Two nuclei combine and a large amount of energy is released with little waste; scientists are very interested in harnessing this type of energy. Ex. deuterium + tritium helium + neutron + energy 2 1 3 H + 1 4 H 2 1 He + 0 n + energy NUCLEAR FISSION: This type of reaction is used in nuclear power plants around the world. A neutron is fired at a large nucleus (usually uranium-235). It is absorbed briefly which makes the unstable isotope of uranium-236. This then splits into two or more smaller nuclei releasing neutrons and energy in the process. The products are radioactive. Ex. uranium-235 + neutron [uranium-236] (very unstable) 235 92 1 U + 0 236 n 92 U [uranium-236] barium-141 + krypton-92 + 3 neutrons + energy 236 92 141 U 56 92 Ba + 36 1 Kr + 3 0 n + energy Radioactive Decay Radioactivity is the result of the disintegration or decay of an unstable nucleus within an atom. There are three main types of decay: Alpha Decay () An alpha particle contains 2 protons, and 2 neutrons so it is often referred to as a helium nucleus. Radium-226 is an emitter. Ex. 226 222 4 86 Rn + 2 He 88 Ra Note: the sum of the atomic mass and the atomic number is the same on both sides. Beta Decay () A beta particle is the emission of an electron. Carbon-14 will undergo beta decay as follows: Ex. 14 14 0 + -1 e 6 C 7 N Gamma Decay () A gamma ray is a photon with very high energy. Once the photon has been emitted the nucleus is the same but at a lower energy state. Gamma rays can be emitted alone or in conjunction with alpha or beta decay. Ex. 12 6 12 C* 6 0 C + 0 Note: The * indicates a high energy state