Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry for Nursing School Entrance Exam Study Guide

Practice questions for this study guide can be found at:

Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry for Nursing School Entrance Exam Practice Problems

1. Characteristics of Radioactivity

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable nuclei breakdown spontaneously, emitting particles and/or electromagnetic radiation (i.e., energy) also called nuclear radiation.

Heavy elements (from atomic numbers 83 to 92) are naturally radioactive and many more (the transuranium elements: atomic number 93 to 118) have been generated in laboratories.

2. Alpha Emission

An alpha particle (symbol: ₂He⁴ or ₂α⁴) corresponds to the nucleus of a helium atom (having two protons and two neutrons) that is spontaneously emitted by a nuclear breakdown or decay.

α-particles are of low energy and therefore low penetrating (a lab coat is sufficient to block their penetration), but dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

3. Beta Emission

A beta particle (symbol: –₁e⁰ or _–β⁰) is an electron released with high speed by a radioactive nucleus in which neutrons (in excess) are converted into protons and electrons (β-particles). β-particles are medium-penetrating radiation requiring dense material and several layers of clothing to block their penetration. They are dangerous if inhaled or ingested.

4. Gamma Emission

Gamma rays (symbol: ) are a massless and chargeless form of radiation (pure energy). They are the most-penetrating form of radiation, similar to X-rays, and can only be stopped by barriers of heavy materials such as concrete or lead. They are extremely dangerous and can cause damage to the human body.

5. Transmutation

Nuclear transmutation is another type of radioactivity occurring when nuclei are bombarded by other particles (protons or neutrons) or nuclei. By this process, lighter elements can be enriched and thus converted to heavier ones or vice versa with emission of alpha or beta particles and gamma rays.

During nuclear reaction, there is

1. conservation of mass number
2. conservation of atomic number
6. Half-Life

Half-life (symbol: t) is the time required for the concentration of the nuclei in a given sample to decrease to half of its initial concentration. Half-life is specific to a radioactive element and varies widely (from a fraction of a second for Tc-43 to millions of years for U-238).

7. Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process in which small nuclei are combined (fused) into larger, more stable ones with the release of a large amount of energy. Fusion reactions take place at very high temperatures. They are also known as thermonuclear reactions. Examples are our Sun and H-bombs.

8. Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavier, usually less stable, nucleus splits into smaller nuclei and neutrons. The process releases a large amount of energy and neutrons that can set up a chain reaction (or self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction) with a more and more uncontrollable release of energy (a highly exothermic reaction) and neutrons.

9. Radioactive Isotopes

Radioactive isotope (radioisotope) is an unstable isotope of an element that decays into a more stable isotope of the same element. They are of great use in medicine as tracers in the body to help monitor particular atoms in chemical and biological reactions. In this way, they aid with diagnosis and treatment. Doctors use Iodine (-131 and -123) and Technetium-99 because of their short half-lives. A short half-life means a radioisotope decays into a stable (non-radioactive) substance in a relatively short time.

You Should Review

• nuclear reactions
• writing balanced nuclear equations
• radiocarbon dating
• the principles of nuclear power
• the use of radioisotopes and their detection in nuclear medicine
• the dangers of ionizing radiation
• radiation sickness/biological effects of radiation
• units of radiation measurement

Practice questions for this study guide can be found at:

Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry for Nursing School Entrance Exam Practice Problems