Chemistry

Unit 3 Ms. Doati

Mrs. Gallardo, Principal
Bronxwood Preparatory Academy
November
How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Electron configuration:
is the distribution of electrons of an atom or
molecule (or other physical structure) in
atomic or molecular orbitals.

S orbital max=2
P orbital max= 6

Write the electron configuration for the first

20 elements of the periodic table
Let’s Try One Together

Chlorine

Atomic Number: 17

EC: 1s2 2s22p63s23p5

Activity

Electron configuration Worksheet, you can work with a partner

How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Radioactive Decay:

Alpha: is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle
(helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or 'decays' into a different atomic nucleus, with a
mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two.

Beta: a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (fast energetic electron or
positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Gamma: is a penetrating electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of

atomic nuclei. It consists of the shortest wavelength electromagnetic waves and so imparts
the highest photon energy.
How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Composition

Alpha- 2 protons, 2 neutrons

Beta- an electron and has a negative

charge.

Gamma-pure energy and radiation

Mass

Alpha- 4 amu

Beta- 1/2000 amu

Gamma- 0 (pure energy)

How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Charge: Penetrating power:

Alpha- +2 Alpha- Very Low (paper)

Beta- -1 Beta- Intermediate (plastic)

Gamma- 0 Gamma- Very High (Concrete)

Check for Understanding

DOK#1: How are beta, alpha, and gamma rays similar to one another?

DOK#2: Why are gamma rays the most harmful?

DOK#3: Predict what would happen if only gamma rays existed.

Example Question of Alpha, Beta and
Gamma Rays
Write each of the following nuclear reactions.
a) Carbon-14, used in carbon dating, decays by beta emission.
b) Uranium-238 decays by alpha emission.
Example Answer
Practice Problems: Placemat
Complete the worksheet

Do one question on the placemat

Turn it and analyze your groups responses

Exit Slip

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 How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Half- life-is the time required for a quantity to reduce
to half of its initial value.

Isotope-each of two or more forms of the same

element that contain equal numbers of protons but
different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and
hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in
chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form
of an element.

for example, C-14 is a powerful tool in determining

the age of objects
Half Life Formula

Time 2 / Time 1 = n

(½)^n= amount remaining after half life

Example: Half life and isotopes

The half-life of Zn-71 is 2.4 minutes. If one had 100.0 g at the

beginning, how many grams would be left after 7.2 minutes has
elapsed?
Answer to example

7.2 / 2.4 = 3 half-lives

(1/2)3 = 0.125 (the amount remaining after 3 half-lives)

100.0 g x 0.125 = 12.5 g remaining

Try one on your own

Pd-100 has a half-life of 3.6 days. If one had 6.02 x 1023 atoms at
the start, how many atoms would be present after 20.0 days?
Answer

20.0 / 3.6 = 5.56 half-lives

(1/2)5.56 = 0.0213 (the decimal fraction remaining after 5.56 half-

lives)

(6.02 x 1023) (0.0213) = 1.28 x 1022 atoms remain

Activity

Half- life activity \http://nuclearconnect.org/in-the-classroom/for-

teachers/half-life-of-paper-mms-pennies-or-puzzle-pieces
Exit Slip

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How can we explain the atomic structure
and nuclear chemistry?
Nuclear Fission: a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits
spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of
energy.

Nuclear Fusion: is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are

combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic
particles (neutrons or protons).
Check for Understanding

Compare and Contrast Nuclear fission and nuclear fission and

nuclear fusion
Activity
Compile the dollar values assigned by the students in favour of nuclear fission and fusion
(on chart paper, on a graph, etc.). To which did they allocate the most money? Discuss
these results as a class.

Students could debate the issue of funding nuclear fission vs.fusion reactors by role-
playing fission advocates(e.g.,owners of nuclear reactors, energy association
members, etc.) and fusion advocates (e.g., physics researchers, etc.).

Students could individually, or in groups, research current fusion experimentation. The

students could report about how the fusion was produced (including what is being
fused), the controls used in the experiment, the status of the experiment and, if
possible, the expectations of viability for sustained fusion.
Exit Slip

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