Nuclear reactions are reactions that involve a change in an atom's nucleons (protons or neutrons), usually

producing a different element. The spontaneous disintegration (decay) of unstable nuclides (nuclei) to form
stable nuclides with emission of particles and radiations (energy) is called Radioactivity. Substances which
undergo radioactivity are called Radioactive and the Isotopes which are Radioactive are also called
Radioisotopes.
SIDE EFFECTS AND THEIR
Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion
THE RADIATIONS PARTICLES & THAT The following are applications of MITIGATIONS
Is a process which involves splitting/ breaking a Is a process which involves radioactivity in our daily lives: All radioactive materials must be
CAN BE INVOLVED INCLUDE;
heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei accompanied by handled with great care, depending on
combination of light (small) nuclei -Alpha particles; the helium nuclide
a large release of energy/ radiations. (a) Energy generation - Nuclear their individual properties. For example:
when made to collide at high (nucleus) with symbol 𝟒𝟐𝐇𝐞 or α • Exposure to radioactive materials can
The large and unstable nuclide splits into two velocity resulting in the formation -Beta particles; is an electron with
reactions produce large amounts
almost equal fragments plus smaller particles, of energy that can be controlled lead cause genetic mutations, should
of heavy nuclei accompanied by a symbol −𝟏 𝟎
𝒆 or β be mitigated by proper disposal of
such as neutrons, with liberation of energy. The large release of energy. and harnessed for useful purposes
neutrons bombard more nuclides, resulting in a
-Gamma rays; which are electromagnetic
such as production of electricity. radioactive wastes, such as by
Fusion reaction of hydrogen radiations (waves) with symbol of γ burying them deep in the ground in
chain reaction. This is called a radioactive decay nuclides to form helium produces
series. The energy can be tapped and used to -Protons; the hydrogen nuclide (nucleus) (b) Chemistry-Radioactive isotopes are geologically stable areas
energy that powers the sun 𝟏 or recycling them.
produce other forms of energy, such as with symbol 𝟏𝐇 used as tracers in chemical
and other stars. 𝟏 • Nuclear bomb tests lead to Long-term
electricity, light energy in controlled conditions. -Neutrons; with the symbol 𝟎𝒏 reactions whose mechanisms are
difficult to follow. Radioisotopes are harm to the environment and human
Differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion also used to study the rate a t health, hence should be done in a
A balanced radioactive equation is which reactions proceed highly controlled environment where
one where the sum of the mass (c) Medicine - Radioactive isotopes are no radioactive materials escape into
Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion numbers and the sum of the atomic the atmosphere and nuclear power
used to stop growth of cancerous
• Occurs in the nuclei of heavy elements. • Occurs in the nuclei of light elements. numbers balance on either side of an plants should have detection systems
cells or kill them. This is called
• Splits heavy nuclei to lighter nuclei. • Joins lighter nuclei to form heavy nuclei. equation. that can detect the smallest
radiotherapy.
• Can take place at ordinary temperatures. • Takes place at high temperatures Balancing radioactivity equations malfunction.
(d) Agriculture - Phosphate-32 is used
• Energy emitted during the process is very • Energy emitted during the process is Ensure that the; to trace the uptake and
high. comparatively low. • Sum of the atomic numbers on the ✓Alpha particles have the least
metabolism of phosphorus by
• Percentage efficiency of the energy • Percentage efficiency of the energy left should equal to the sum of penetrating power and cannot
plants.
conversion is comparatively less. conversion is high (four times that of atomic numbers on the right-hand penetrate the skin. However, there is
(e) Carbon-dating - Carbon-14 is
• Can be controlled for useful purposes. nuclear fission). side. still a risk of the radioactive material
radioactive and is used to the age
• Cannot be controlled. • Sum of the mass numbers on the penetrating thin epithelial membranes,
of archeological and geological
left-hand side should be equal to discoveries such as fossils found in such as in the nose and mouth. Use
APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR REACTIONS that on the right-hand side appropriate protective gear while
rocks, ancient ruins and caves.
NB: When the emitted particle is (f) Food preservation - Exposure to exposed to alpha particles.
Nuclear reactors; A nuclear reactor controls fission where by heavy nuclide is known, the new nucleus formed is gamma radiation kills ✓Beta particles have more penetrating
bombarded with fast moving neutrons and releases heat that is used to heat identified by its atomic number and microorganisms that cause stored power so the eyes and face should
water and produce steam at high pressure which drives turbines that produce NOT mass number foodstuffs to rot. Fish, fruits and be protected using a sheet of thin
electricity in nuclear power plants. vegetables can be aluminium sheet.
Atomic bombs; An atomic bomb derives its violent explosive power from the rapid preserved in this way. ✓Gamma rays have the highest
release of energy by nuclear fission. penetrating power. Thick lead or
An atomic bomb is set off by the rapid bringing together of uranium-235 and concrete structures should be used
plutonium-239. for protection from these rays.
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 PROPERTIES OF RADIATIONS

RADIOACTIVE DECAY Tasks

1. PENETRATING POWER 2. IONIZING POWER 3. DEFLEFLECTION IN; The half-life of a radioisotope is two days.
Ionizing power refers to the ability In a magnetic field; The rate of radioactive decay What mass of 600 g of the sample will
Alpha particles are the heaviest of radiation (such as alpha, beta, or depends on the number of nuclides
and travel at slower speed thus • Alpha particles are deflected remain undecayed after eight days?
gamma rays) to remove tightly towards the south pole. present at a given time. This means
have very low penetrating power. bound electrons from atoms resulting that the rate of decay is directly Using 𝐍𝐭 = 𝐍𝐨 𝐞−𝐤𝐭 and 𝐭 𝟏ൗ𝟐 =
𝟎.𝟔𝟗𝟑
They do not pass through a sheet • Beta particles are deflected 𝐤
in the formation of ions. towards the north pole. proportional to the number of where 𝐭 𝟏ൗ𝟐 = 𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬,
of paper. The ability of radioactive emissions radioactive nuclides present at a
• Beta particles can be deflected by t = 8 days,
to form ions depends on mass and a much weaker magnetic field particular time. 𝐍𝐨 = 600 g
Beta particles are lighter and the charge of the radiation. The rate of decay is expressed in
travel at higher velocity thus have than alpha particles due to their 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑
• Alpha particles have high ionizing negligible mass(no mass). terms of half-life. 𝐤= ;
a higher penetrating power. They 𝐭 𝟏ൗ
power. This is enhanced by their • Gamma rays are unaffected thus Half-life 𝟐
can pass through a sheet of paper strong positive charge and slow 𝟎. 𝟔𝟗𝟑
no deflection It is the time taken for half of the 𝒌= 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚 ;
but are blocked by a sheet of speed due to high mass. 𝟐
In an electric field; original amount of the sample to
aluminium. • Beta particles have moderate • Alpha particles being positively decay. It is denoted by t
ionizing power due to no mass and 𝒌 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟔𝟓
Gamma rays have no mass. They charged and are deflected
high speeds (attracted) towards the negative The radioactive decay equation for any
travel at extremely high velocity • Gamma rays have no mass and no 𝐍𝐭 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎𝐞−𝟎.𝟑𝟒𝟔𝟓×𝟖 ;
almost equal to that of light. They plate. radioactive decay is given by; 𝐍𝐭 = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟓 𝒈
charge and move at high velocity • Beta particles are negatively 𝐍𝐭
have the highest penetrating power. therefore, they do not cause 𝐍𝐭 = 𝐍𝐨 𝐞−𝐤𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝒍𝒏 = −𝐤𝐭
They pass through a sheet of charged and are 𝐍𝟎
ionization as they pass through where 𝐍𝐭 is amount present at time t ; No
paper and a sheet of aluminium deflected(attracted) towards the
substances. is the original amount when t = 0 and k is
but are blocked by a thick positive plate.
the decay constant
lead or steel block. • Gamma rays are unaffected thus 𝑵
no deflection When 𝐍𝐭 = 𝒐 ; 𝐭 = 𝒕𝟏ൗ𝟐
𝟐
The magnitude of deflection Now when substituted in the decay
depends on the mass of the equation,
particles. ➢
𝑵𝒐
= 𝐍𝐨 𝐞
−𝐤𝒕𝟏ൗ
𝟐 .
Alpha particles are 𝟐
−𝐤𝒕𝟏ൗ
𝟏
heavier and are thus deflected less ➢ =𝐞 𝟐 .
𝟐
while the lighter beta particles are 𝟏 −𝐤𝒕𝟏
➢ 𝐥𝐧( ) = 𝐥𝐧(𝐞 ൗ𝟐
).
deflected more. 𝟐
Gamma rays are ➢ −𝒍𝒏 𝟐 = −𝒌𝒕𝟏ൗ𝟐
𝟎.𝟔𝟗𝟑
not particles but waves. They have ➢ 𝒍𝒏 𝟐 = 𝒌𝒕𝟏ൗ𝟐 . 𝐭 𝟏ൗ𝟐 =
𝐤
no mass and carry no charge and Half-life can also be defined as the
are therefore not deflected in time interval it takes for a radioactive
magnetic and electric fields. material to be reduced to half its
original mass.
Half-life is constant and the remaining
amount never reduces to zero