The Foundations of Chemistry

OUTLINE

26-1 The Nucleus

26-2 Neutron–Proton Ratio and

Nuclear Stability

26-3 Nuclear Stability and Binding

Energy

26-4 Radioactive Decay

26-5 Equations for Nuclear

Reactions

26-6 Neutron-Rich Nuclei (Above

the Band of Stability)

26-7 Neutron-Poor Nuclei (Below

the Band of Stability)

26-8 Nuclei with Atomic Number

Greater Than 83

26-9 Detection of Radiation

26-10 Rates of Decay and Half-Life

26-11 Disintegration Series

26-12 Uses of Radionuclides

26-13 Artificial Transmutations of

Elements

26-14 Nuclear Fission

26-15 Nuclear Fission Reactors

26-16 Nuclear Fusion

OBJECTIVES

After you have studied this chapter, you should be able to

• Describe the makeup of the nucleus


• Describe the relationships between neutron–proton ratio and nuclear stability


• Tell what is meant by the band of stability


• Calculate mass deficiency and nuclear binding energy


• Describe the common types of radiation emitted when nuclei undergo radioactive decay


• Write and balance equations that describe nuclear reactions


• Predict the different kinds of nuclear reactions undergone by nuclei, depending on their
  positions relative to the band of stability


• Describe methods for detecting radiation


• Understand half-lives of radioactive elements


• Carry out calculations associated with radioactive decay


• Interpret disintegration series


• Tell about some uses of radionuclides, including the use of radioactive elements for
  dating objects


• Describe some nuclear reactions that are induced by bombardment of nuclei with
  particles


• Tell about nuclear fission and some of its applications, including nuclear reactors


• Tell about nuclear fusion and some prospects for and barriers to its use for the
  production of energy

Positron emission tomography
(PET) allows mapping of tissues.
This PET scan shows the
distribution of radioactive glucose in
a healthy human brain.