DESCRIBE THE NUCLEAR COMPOSITION OF UNSTABLE ISOTOPES AND

DESCRIBE THE NUCLEAR COMPOSITION OF UNSTABLE ISOTOPES AND THE RESULTING CHANGES TO THEIR NUCLEAR COMPOSITION. IDENTIFY TYPES OF NUCLEAR EMISSION, INCLUDING ALPHA PARTICLES, BETA PARTICLES, AND GAMMA RADIATION DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FISSION AND FUSION. IDENTIFY USES AND POSSIBLE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY. COS 11. 0, 11. 1, 11. 2, 11. 3

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Identify four types of nuclear radiation and their properties. • Distinguish between fission and fusion, and provide examples of each. • List and explain three beneficial uses and three possible risks of nuclear radiation. • Contrast properties of radioactive and stable nuclei.

Chapter 9 Nuclear Radiation Radioactivity: n process by which an unstable nucleus emits one or more particles or energy in form of electromagnetic radiation. nuclear radiation: n particles that are released from nucleus during radioactive decay.

ALPHA PARTICLES consists of two protons and two neutrons • Composed of He nucleus atom w/ +2 charge • Least penetrating type of radiation • Can be stopped by a sheet of paper

BETA PARTICLES • negatively charged electron emitted during certain types of radioactive decay • Emitted at high speeds from nucleus

GAMMA PARTICLES gamma ray • high-energy photon emitted by a nucleus during fission and radioactive decay • Most penetrating type of radiation • Does not have a charge nor mass

NEUTRON EMISSION • consists of matter that is emitted from an unstable nucleus. • Neutrons are able to travel farther through matter than either alpha or beta particles.

Nuclear Fission • • process by which a nucleus splits into two or more fragments and releases neutrons and energy. Produces nuclei of lower mass than reactants Used to produce nuclear power (electricity) Produces extremely toxic waste

Nuclear Fusion n process in which light nuclei combine at extremely high temperature, forming heavier, more stable nuclei and releasing energy. n Produces nuclei of higher mass than reactants n Takes place in sun. n Helium major by product

Beneficial Uses of Nuclear Radiation Smoke detectors • small alpha-emitting isotope detects smoke particles in air. radioactive tracer: radioactive material that is added to a substance so that its distribution can be detected later. • understand biochemical processes in plants. • Radiotherapy: • treatment that uses controlled doses of nuclear radiation for treating diseases such as cancer.

Possible Risks of Nuclear Radiation Ionization l change in number of electrons in an atom or molecule, causing the particle to be positively or negatively charged. Radiation sickness l results from high levels of nuclear radiation. Dosimeter l device that measures the amount of nuclear radiation exposure. • Studies have shown a relationship between exposure to high levels of nuclear radiation and cancer.

Possible Risks of Nuclear Radiation Radon gas: • colorless and odorless, • produced by the decay of uranium-238 • naturally occurs in soil and rock. • Causes lung cancer

B. Others • Choose one of the following to investigate: – Irradiated Food (p. 676) – Radioactive Dating (p. 683) – Nuclear Medicine (p. 692 -693) • Make a mini-poster to display what you have learned.