Nuclear and Radiochemistry

Jozsef Konya, Noemi M. Nagy

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9780128136430
• eBook ISBN: 9780128136447
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Physical & Theoretical Chemistry

Nuclear and Radiochemistry, Second Edition, is a comprehensive and thorough reference that features the latest developments in the field, especially in radionuclide production, nuclear medicine and the application of natural radiotracers. Drawing on 40 years of experience in teaching and research, this revised edition explains the basic principles and applications of the primary areas of nuclear and radiochemistry. This new edition features completely revised chapters, in addition to 40 new illustrations plus case studies woven throughout the text. It will be helpful to students and researchers in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental sciences and specialists working in all fields of radiochemistry. The field of nuclear and radiochemistry is wide-reaching, with results having functions and use across a variety of disciplines. Separate chapters cover each main area of recent radiochemistry. This includes nuclear medicine and chemical aspects of nuclear power plants, namely the problems of nuclear wastes and nuclear analysis (both bulk and surface analysis), with the analytical methods based on the interactions of radiation with matter. Furthermore, special attention is paid to thermodynamics of radio-isotope tracer methods, the very diluted system (carrier-free radioactive isotopes) and the principles of chemical processes with unsealed radioactive sources. - Introduces fundamental concepts and practical applications, providing a thorough view of radiochemistry and nuclear chemistry - Presents laboratory methods with unsealed radio-chemicals that can be applied in research and the lab Includes case studies sprinkled throughout the book to bring real-world applications to life - Features 40 new illustrations to underscore key concepts

Chapter 1

Introduction

Abstract

This chapter sketches the state of the natural sciences at the end of the 19th century, the discoveries signed by Lavoisier, Dalton, and Avogadro, and also shows how the model of the matter was challenged when the radioactivity was discovered. The chapters contain a table summarizing the main steps of the development of nuclear and radiochemistry from Bequerel’s discovery until now, including the Nobel Prizes obtained in this field. This table informs the reader in which sessions these steps are mentioned or discussed in this book.

The scientific and practical importance of the nuclear and radiochemistry are shortly illustrated such as the basis of the modern atomic theory, the nucleogenesis, the practical applications of radioactivity, the tracer methods, activation analysis, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy.

It is emphasized that radioactivity is a natural process. The most important natural radioactive isotopes are listed.

Keywords

Dalton’s atomic theory; discovery of radiation; history of nuclear science; spontaneous decay; types of radiation; radioactive elements; natural radioactive isotopes

From the dawn of natural sciences, scientists and philosophers have reflected on the nature of matter. At the end of the 19th century, the discoveries signed by Lavoisier, Dalton, and Avogadro (namely, the law of conservation of mass, the atomic theory, and the definition of a mole as a unit of the chemical quantity) led to a plausible model. This model was built on the principles of Dalton’s atomic theory, which state that:

• • all matter is composed of small particles called atoms,
• • each element is composed of only one chemically distinct type of atom,
• • all atoms of an element are identical, with the same mass, size, and chemical behavior, and
• • atoms are tiny, indivisible, and indestructible particles.

In the same period, the basic laws of thermodynamics have been postulated. The first law of thermodynamics is an expression of the principle of conservation of energy.

This model of the matter has been challenged when it was discovered that the same element can have radioactive and stable forms (i.e., an element can have atoms of different mass). The discovery of the radioactivity is linked to Henri Becquerel’s name and to the outcome of his experiments which w...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Preface
• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Basic Concepts
• Chapter 3. Isotopes
• Chapter 4. Radioactive Decay
• Chapter 5. Interaction of Radiation With Matter
• Chapter 6. Nuclear Reactions
• Chapter 7. Nuclear Energy Production
• Chapter 8. Radioactive Tracer Methods
• Chapter 9. Physicochemical Application of Radiotracer Methods
• Chapter 10. Radio- and Nuclear Analysis
• Chapter 11. Industrial Application of Radioisotopes
• Chapter 12. An Introduction to Nuclear Medicine
• Chapter 13. Environmental Radioactivity
• Chapter 14. Detection and Measurement of Radioactivity
• Index