CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 8 Nuclear force and nuclear models

This lecture provides information on nuclear force and nuclear models. The strong force is introduced through isospin. A comparison of exchange particles is provided. The use of mirror nuclei to examine the strong force is presented. An overview of nuclear potentials is provided and used to discuss the shell model. States of the shell model and their relationship to magic numbers are discussed. Use of the shell model is determine nuclide spin and parity is presented. The relationship between spin and parity with nuclear deformation is introduced with Nilsson diagrams. Additional information on Nilsson diagrams can be found in the Table of the Isotopes. An introduction of the Fermi model for energetic nuclei is given.

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 7 Fission

A general overview of nuclear fission is presented.  The probability of fission is described based on developed models including the liquid drop model and shell corrections.  Discussion on spontaneous fission and fissioning isomers is given.  The transition nucleus and fission product distributions are discussed.  The total kinetic energy, mass distribution, and charge distribution during fission are presented. Changes in fission product distribution with parent properties are introduced. Delayed neutrons from fission and their role in reactors are given. Proton induced fission is introduced. 

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 6 Gamma Decay

Gamma decay is described in two lectures. The first lecture covers the fundamentals of gamma decay and second lecture describes Moessbauer spectroscopy.  Different methods to find data on gamma decay yields for decay of isotopes are presented. The energetics involved in gamma decay are provided. This includes recoil from gamma, which is exploited in Moessbauer spectroscopy.  Decay types in gamma transitions are explained, focusing on electromagnetic basis for the gamma emission.  Transition probabilities and internal conversions inherent to gamma decay are covered. Isotope examples for internal conversion electrons are given.  Angular correlations in gamma decay are described with an experimental example provided. The use of gamma decay in Moessbauer spectroscopy is discussed.

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry Winter 2016 Exam 1

EXAM 1 is now available

Assigned: 21-Jan-16 

1st Due Date: 26-Jan-16                  

2nd Due Date:  29-Jan-16      

The first iteration of the exam is due 26-Jan-16.  The answers will be posted on 27-Jan-16.  Any incorrect answers can be resubmitted by 29-Jan-16. Changed answers will be worth 50 % of the original grade.  For the 2nd resubmission the work related to the changes must be shown.  Please post all questions to the blog.

There will be office hours on Friday 22 January and Tuesday 26 January.  This quiz covers:                                 

Lecture 1:  Introduction, Chart of the Nuclides

Lecture 2:  Nuclear Properties

Lecture 3:  Decay Kinetics

Lecture 4:  Alpha Decay

Lecture 5:  Beta Decay

 Use lecture notes, textbooks, Chart of the Nuclides, Table of the Isotopes, and web pages.  Use the chart of the nuclides as your primary dataset for isotope half-life.   Show your work or references on a separate page and save electronically.  Please use 3 significant digits for your answers.

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 5 Beta Decay

Beta decay is presented in this lecture. The neutrino hypothesis and its relationship with beta decay is discussed. A review of Q value calculations for beta decay is provided.  The importance of spin and parity, and how it can be used to assess beta decay, is discussed. Modeling beta decay through the weak force is provided. The impact of Coulomb interactions on positron and electron spectral shape is presented.  The use of Kurie plots in understanding beta decay is introduced.  Selection rules in beta decay and beta transitions are explained. Calculating logft and its relation to spin and parity are presented. Double beta decay is discussed.

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 4 Alpha Decay

This lecture discusses alpha decay in radionuclides.  Theories on alpha decay are presented. Systematics and energetics involved in alpha decay are presented.  The correlation between Q value and decay energy is described.  The Geiger Nuttall relationship is provided, described, and utilized in a model for alpha decay. Tunneling is also exploited to described alpha decay, coupling energy and half-life.  Gamow calculations are shown to reflect the Geiger Nuttall relationship. Hindered alpha decay is discussed. Hindered alpha decay is employed to described nuclear properties. Hinderance factors are described, along with how they are calculated and where they can be found. Proton and other charged particle emission are presented. 

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 3 Decay Kinetics

This lecture covers the fundamental equations that describe the decay of radionuclides. Basic equations and their utility are presented.  Equations for mixtures, equilibrium, and branching of radionuclides are covered.  Examples are provided for error evaluation from counts, activity determination, evaluation of half life, and lifetime of isotopes. Discussion of natural radiation and dating are given. Examples are provided for dating from 238U, 14C, and the Oklo reactor. 

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 2 Nuclear Properties

A discussion on systematics of nuclear properties are presented.  Mass, mass excess, and mass distribution within the nucleus is presented.   Mass excess data are used to calculate energies in decays.  Equations for determining nuclear radii are provided.  Models that are used to describe the stability of nuclei are introduced.  Nuclear shapes and structures are introduced. PDF quiz 2 is due Wednesday 13 January.

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 1 Introduction and Chart of the Nuclildes

The class outcomes, expectations, and grading are explained.  A history of radioelement discovery and radiation research is presented. The Chart of the Nuclides and Table of the Isotopes are discussed and used.  Atomic properties, nuclear nomenclature, X-rays, types of decays and physical forces are introduced. The lecture is assigned on Monday 4 January and due Saturday 9 January. 

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2016: Lecture 0 Online presentation methods

Using the online lecture format is presented. The lectures are available as notes without audio or animation, PowerPoint audio and animation, and MP4 video. The use of multiple formats should permit viewing of lectures on a host of platforms. The lecture is 3 minutes.