Understanding Nuclear Fusion and Fission in Atoms
Nuclear fusion is the process where two atomic nuclei combine, releasing energy and forming a new element. This process occurs in stars where hydrogen fuses to create heavier elements. On the other hand, nuclear fission involves the splitting of an atomic nucleus, releasing energy. Understanding these processes is key to grasping how elements are formed and how different isotopes of elements, such as uranium, exist.
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Think Dont Speak. What does it mean to fuse something together? When hear word fission what does it mean?
I. How Elements Form A. Nuclear Fusion when two atomic nuclei combine 1. energy is released 2. a new element is formed Video: How are Elements Formed? www.youtube.com/watch?v=neMEo8ZrwuI
II. Fusion in Stars A. Stars begin as hydrogen atoms, the H fuses to make heavier elements. B. Energy is given off in light, heat, and radiation.
http://eastrichlandchemistry.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fusion-layers1.jpg%3Fw%3D260%26h%3D249http://eastrichlandchemistry.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fusion-layers1.jpg%3Fw%3D260%26h%3D249 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neMEo8ZrwuI 5 min clip
The Atom The atom consists of two parts: 1. The nucleus which contains: protons neutrons 2. Orbiting electrons. The mass of an atom is almost entirely due to the number of protons and neutrons.
= number of protons + number of neutrons Mass number A X Element symbol Z Atomic number = number of protons
Mass # --- Atomic # #neutrons A X Z Mass # = number of protons + number of neutrons Atomic # = number of protons
There are many types of uranium: 235 238 U U ISOTOPES 92 92 Mass # Mass # Atomic # Atomic # Number of protons Number of protons Number of neutrons Number of neutrons Number of electrons Number of electrons
There are many types of uranium: 2+ 235 238 U U 92 92 Mass # 235 Mass # 238 Atomic # 92 Atomic # 92 Number of protons 92 Number of protons 92 Number of neutrons 143 Number of neutrons 146 Number of electron 92 Number of electron 90
Most of the isotopes which occur naturally are stable. A few naturally occurring isotopes and all of the man-made isotopes are unstable. Unstable isotopes can become stable by releasing different types of particles. This process is called radioactive decay and the elements which undergo this process are called radioisotopes/.
Radioactive Decay Radioactive decay results in the emission of either: an alpha particle ( ), a beta particle ( ), or a gamma ray ( )
Alpha Decay An alpha particle is identical to that of a helium nucleus. It contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Alpha Decay 222 Rn 226 Ra 86 88 4 He 2
Alpha Decay A A - 4 4 X Y He + Z Z - 2 2 226 222 4 Ra Rn + He 88 86 2
Alpha Decay A 4 222 Rn Y He + 86 Z 2 222 218 4 4 Rn Po 84 He He + 86 2 2
Alpha Decay A 230 4 X Th He + Z 90 2 234 230 4 4 U Th 90 He He + 92 2 2
Alpha Decay 230 A 4 Th Y He + 90 Z 2 230 226 4 4 Th Ra He He + 90 88 2 2
Beta Decay A beta particle is a fast moving electron which is emitted from the nucleus of an atom undergoing radioactive decay. Beta decay occurs when a neutron changes into a proton and an electron.
Beta Decay As a result of beta decay, the nucleus has 1 less neutron, but 1extra proton. The atomic number, increases by 1 and the mass number, stays the same.
Beta Decay 218 At 218 Po 85 84 0 -1
Beta Decay A A 0 X Y + Z Z + 1 -1 0 218 218 Po At + -1 84 85
Beta Decay 234 A 0 Th Y + 90 Z -1 0 234 234 Th Pa + -1 90 91
Beta Decay A 210 0 X Pb + Z 82 -1 0 210 210 Tl Pb + -1 81 82
Beta Decay 210 A 0 Bi Y + 83 Z -1 0 210 210 Bi Po + -1 83 84
Gamma Decay Gamma rays are not charged particles like and particles. Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation with high frequency. When atoms decay by emitting or particles to form a new atom, the nuclei of the new atom formed may still have too much energy to be completely stable. This excess energy is emitted as gamma rays
III. Synthetic Elements by Humans A. Synthetic Element human-made, not formed in nature. B. Natural Element forms by natural processes
C. Synthetic elements are made by smashing atoms together in a particle accelerator.
