Nuclear chemistry
Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear chemistry (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər ˈkɛm.ɪ.stri/) is a branch of chemistry that involves the study of the changes that occur in the nuclei of atoms. The term "nuclear" comes from the Latin nucleus, meaning "kernel" or "core".
Nuclear chemistry explores the properties and reactions of nuclei, as well as the changes they undergo during radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. It includes the study of the production and use of radioisotopes in research, medicine, and industry.
History
The field of nuclear chemistry was pioneered by scientists such as Marie Curie and Ernest Rutherford in the early 20th century. Their work led to the discovery of radioactivity, a phenomenon that is central to nuclear chemistry.
Applications
Nuclear chemistry has many practical applications, including in medicine, energy production, and archaeology. For example, radiotherapy in medicine uses radioactive substances to treat diseases such as cancer. In energy production, nuclear chemistry is used in the operation of nuclear reactors. In archaeology, radiocarbon dating techniques are used to determine the age of ancient artifacts and fossils.
Related Terms
- Radioactivity: The spontaneous emission of radiation from the nucleus of an atom.
- Nuclear fission: A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei.
- Nuclear fusion: A nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come together to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles.
- Radioisotope: An isotope that exhibits radioactivity.
- Radiocarbon dating: A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope of carbon.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear chemistry
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear chemistry
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