CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry, Winter 2019: Lecture 18 Application of Nuclear Material

The lecture provides examples of the use of radioactive isotopes.  The methods used for isotope production are discussed. The difference between isotope production by accelerators and reactors is highlighted.  Reactor isotope products are primarily neutron rich; while accelerator produced isotopes tend to be neutron poor.  Isotopes used in the generation of neutrons are provided. These neutron generating sources are small with a relatively low neutron generating rate.  They are used in element and compound identification.  Examples of isotopes used as ionization sources are provided.  The discussion focuses on the use of 241Am for smoke detection and 63Ni for explosives detection.  The importance of 238Pu as a heat source is provided, with examples given for space exploration.  A number of isotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals are introduced.  Comparisons are given for diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.  The lecture is in 2 parts.  Part 1 is 29 minutes, part 2 is 32 minutes. 

The lecture is assigned on Tuesday 5 March 2019 and due Wednesday 13 March 2019.  When you have completed the lecture please comment on the blog Links to an external site.and respond to the Lecture 18 PDF quiz.  The answers to the Lecture 18 PDF quiz will be posted Thursday 14 March 2019.

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