AP+Chem+Nuclear

Here are two sets of problems for you to try. Each one requires between 60 and 90 minutes if you read the book thoroughly.

Chapter 21 explains nuclear chemistry. Each element has one or more isotopes that are radioactive. These isotopes release matter and/or energy from their nucleus. By this process, they are transformed into a different element.

You will earn three extra credit points if you show all completed problems at the beginning of the first class after the break.

Assignment #1

Sections 21.1-21.3 introduce the cast of characters. The subatomic particles released by nuclei are listed in tables 21.1 and 21.2. The various isotopes found in nature, including a few radioactive ones, are shown in Figure 21.2. There are some new vocabulary terms here, but the the main words to be careful about are nuclide and nucleon. Oh yes, and don't mix in the biology term "nucleotide." That's a building block for DNA, not a radioactive isotope.

The skill that you must learn is writing nuclear equations. The idea is very simple, and with some practice you will be an expert. The most important concept is that number of subatomic particles is conserved. In other words, you have to be able to add simple numbers: atomic number and mass numbers. Sample exercise 21.1 on page 832 is a very nice example.

Try all the related problems at the end of the chapter: 21.1 to 21.9 (odd numbers), and 21.23 and 21.25

Assignment #2 Section 21.4 is a review of kinetics. All nuclear decay is a first-order process. This section gives you a chance to review the calculations associated with first-order rate laws. None of this is new to you.

I recommend trying all the odd-numbered problems related to this concept, especially 21.29, 31, 33, and 39.

Assignment #3 Section 21.6 describes the energy changes associated with radioactive decay. The calculation is fairly simple using Einstein's famous equation. It's worth having a look - don't be put off by the strange large numbers. In fact, you should be impressed at the huge amount of energy released by decay. Nuclear energy will probably be with us for a long time because of this. By the way, Section 21.7 explains how nuclear power works.

Problems 21.45 and 21.49 are typical examples.