How to write nuclear equations for Option D IB Chemistry. Taken from www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/.../13%20nuclear.pptx

1. Nuclear Equations

2. Nuclear Reactions
• Nuclear reactions are different from chemical
reactions
Chemical
Reactions
Mass is
conserved
(doesn’t
change)
Small
energy
changes
No changes in the
nuclei; involve
ONLY valance
electrons
Nuclear
Reactions
Small
changes in
mass
Huge
energy
changes
protons, neutrons,
electrons and
gamma rays can be
lost or gained

3. BALANCING NUCLEAR EQUATIONS
1. The sums of mass numbers (left superscripts) on each
side must be equal.
2. The sums of atomic numbers or nuclear charges (left
subscripts) on each side of the equation must be
equal.
Examples:
238U 4He + 234Th
92 2 90
214Pb 0 b- + 214Bi
82 1 83
3. Charges are not included in nuclear equations except
to distinguish between the two types of b particles

4. Balancing Nuclear Equations
Complete the following nuclear equations:
1. 217At 213Bi + ?
2. 231Th 0b- + ?
1
3. 208Tl 0b- + ?
1

5. Balancing Nuclear Equations
Complete the following nuclear equations:
1. 217At 213Bi +
2. 231Th 0b- +
1
3. 208Tl 0b- +
1
85 83
90
81