Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

Describe an Alpha particle:

Answer 1

1. Consist of two protons and two neutrons (helium).
2. Least penetrating out of the three
3. Stopped by a thin sheet of paper
4. Strongly ionising because they are large and carry two positive charges

Question 2

Describe an Beta particle:

Answer 2

1. Consist of streams of high-energy electrons that are ejected from the nucleus
2. Stopped by 5mm thick sheet of aluminium

Question 3

Describe a Gamma ray:

Answer 3

1. High energy electromagnetic waves
2. Most penetrating
3. Can pass through several centimetres of lead/concrete
4. Weakly ionising

Question 4

How does alpha, beta and gamma pass through an electric field?

Answer 4

Diagram

Question 5

Why do molecules have a specific shape with specific angles?

Answer 5

Bonds repel each other equally, the electrons within the bond will want to be as far apart as possible

Question 6

How do lone pairs affect the shape and angle of a molecule?

Answer 6

The lone pair next to a bond pair will repel more than 2 bond pairs together. 2 lone pairs together repel even further. This results in a shorter angle between the bond pairs.