Uses of Nuclear Chemistry

Fission & FusionFission: the splitting of a nucleus into many

pieces large release of energyNuclear reactors

Fusion: the combining of nuclei (bind two or more light and less stable nuclei to form a single, more stable nucleus)Stars

Nuclear reactions can happen naturally, but they can take long periods of time (about 4.5 billion years)

Nuclear ReactorsUsed to generate electricity

Uranium-235 is used (a certain amount required to sustain a chain reaction)

Other metals are used to absorb “extras” during the reactionThese metals must be serviced regularlySome of the materials become radioactive and cannot be

reused

How Nuclear Reactors Work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Q9O1vICWs

Nuclear WasteWhere do we store it?

Any problems with this?

Japan’s Meltdownhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMaEjEWL6PU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ6lCR71Yik

Uses of RadiationMedicine

Radiotracer- emits non-ionizing radiation to detect a specific element

Radiation ExposureAccumulated Doses

Measured in units called rem: measures doses of radiation while accounting for energy of radiation, type of living tissue absorbing radiation and time of exposure.

Natural background: you are exposed to radiation on a regular basis (150mrem/yr)

This radiation comes from sources such as cosmic radiation, the ground, buildings, air, inside human body, medical and dental x-rays, nuclear weapon testing, air travel

Detection: Film badges

Food PreservationIrradiate food to kill microorganisms

http://www.weather.com/news/science/environment/fukushima-power-plant-leak-20140220