Nuclear Stability

Relative Stability of Different Nuclei

Two Methods

• Which isotopes? • Binding Energy

What holds an atom together?Forces of Nature and Atomic Structure:

Band (Island) of Stability

N/Z ratio

Number of stable isotopes

Isotope trends among the elements:

Binding Energy, but first…Comparing stability:

O-O single bond strength = 146 kJ/mol

O=O double bond strength = 496 kJ/mol

Which is more stable, O2 or O3?

O2: O=O

O3: O=O-O

Binding Energy: How we measure nuclear stability

Predict what you think the trend will be:

As atomic number increases, what will happen to stability?

Split up class and do:

Do all isotopes using Excel

Isotopedata_stable.xls

Modes of Radioactive Decay

U-238 Decay Series And … the problem with radon.

Decay modes andthe island of stability.

Cool stuff about nuclear chemistry

Where is all the Helium From?

Uranium-Based Reactors

Enrichment:

Diffusion Method; 1.007 per cycle

Centrifuge Method; 1.3 per cycle

Breeder Reactors: Good and Bad

238U + n 239U + B-

239U 239Np + B-

239Np 239Pu + B-

239Pu is fissile and can be used as nuclear fuel.

Nuclear Proliferation Issues:

The problem with U Enrichment

The problem of Pu materials

Radon in the Home

Smoke Detectors in the Home