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Nuclear Energy

Learn how nuclear energy is produced through radioactive decay, the types of nuclear radiation, and how to calculate decay rates using half-life equations. Explore the potential of nuclear energy for medical purposes.

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Nuclear Energy

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  1. Nuclear Energy

  2. Nuclear Energy • Nuclear energy is all around us and can be used for medical purposes. • Nuclear energy is when an atom is split and releases energy or particles.

  3. Nuclear Energy • To fully understand Nuclear Energy we need to take a look at how an atom can split. • 1 way this can happen is called Radioactive Decay.

  4. Radioactive Decay • Isotopes with unstable nuclei emit particles and/or energy to become stable isotopes. • Any time an unstable nucleus emits particles the number of protons and neutrons changes. • The energy released is called nuclear radiation.

  5. Nuclear Radiation • There are 4 types of nuclear radiation.

  6. Alpha particles • Alpha particles are actually 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The same as a helium nucleus. • They are represented by 42He • Alpha particles are positively charged and massive.

  7. Beta Particles • Beta particles are fast moving particles, usually electrons. • Because electrons are almost mass less and have a negative charge we represent Beta particles as: 0-1e

  8. Positrons • Once in a while the Beta particle given off changes its charge to positive. • This now mass less tiny positive charge is called a Positron. • It’s represented by: 0+1e

  9. Gamma Rays • Gamma rays are not matter they are a form of electromagnetic energy. • They are small packets of energy called photons. • Although they have no charge, they can excite atoms and cause chemical reactions.

  10. Neutrons • Neutron emission is when the atom looses a neutron. • It is the hardest todecay to stop. Neutrons do not have a charge, so the particles are able to travel through most materials with outionizing the material. • It’s represented by: 10n

  11. Nuclear Decay and Equations • Nuclear Decay equations are like chemical reaction equations. • The nucleus before emitting a particle is the reactant. • The particle emitted and the resulting new isotope are the products.

  12. Nuclear Decay Equations • When an isotope goes through Beta Decay the mass number stays the same, but the atomic number increases by 1. • 146C 147 N + 0-1e • During Beta decay an electron is given off and a Neutron changes into a proton.

  13. Nuclear Decay and Equations • When an Isotope goes through Alpha Decay both the mass number and the atomic number change. • 22688 Ra 22286Rn + 42He • The reactant has lost 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

  14. Decay Rates • The time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay is called a half-life.

  15. Calculating Half Life • We can use the known half life of each element to help us figure out how much of a substance remains. • Example: • Radium 226 has a half life of 1599 years. How long will 7/8ths of a sample take to decay.

  16. Radium 226 has a half life of 1599 years. How long will 7/8ths of a sample take to decay. • Step 1: Figure out how much is left of the sample at the end of the decay period. • 1 – 7/8 = 1/8

  17. Radium 226 has a half life of 1599 years. How long will 7/8ths of a sample take to decay. • Step 2: Figure out how many half lives it takes to get to the sample down to the remaining. • ½ x ½ x ½ = 1/8

  18. Radium 226 has a half life of 1599 years. How long will 7/8ths of a sample take to decay. • Step 3: Count the number of half lives and multiply that by the time it takes for one half life. • 3 half lives x 1599yrs = 4797 years

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