Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry

CHEM40311 Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 4 Francis Livens Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 <div>This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 22/23 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  This module explores the physical and chemical characteristics of the radioactive elements, including The Atomic Nucleus; Origin of the Elements; Subvalent Actinide Chemistry; Optical Spectroscopy of Lanthanides and Actinides</div>  This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 22/23 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.This course unit detail may be subject to change.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.The Atomic Nucleus (Francis Livens)This section of the module provides an introduction to the physics of the atomic nucleus. Areas covered include:  <ul><li>Nuclear composition and properties; isotopes</li><li>Nuclear reactions and their energetic driving forces</li><li>Radioactive decay modes, their energetics and characteristics</li><li>Physical models of the nucleus (liquid drop; shell; collective)</li><li>Phenomenological description of nuclear fission</li></ul>Origin of the Elements (Francis Livens)This section of the module provides an understanding of nucleosynthesis (synthesis of the elements by nuclear reactions in stars). Areas covered include:  <ul><li>Energetics of fusion and neutron capture reactions, including resonant reactions</li><li>Distributions of particle energies and reaction cross sections; the Gamow peak</li><li>Nucleosynthesis by fusion; hydrogen burning; helium burning; the CNO cycle</li><li>The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram</li><li>Neutron capture reactions; s-process; r-process</li><li>Experimental evidence for s-process and r-process; the Ivy Mike thermonuclear test</li></ul>Nuclear Power, Criticality and the Interactions of Radiation with Matter (Scott Heath)This section of the module covers an overview of Nuclear Power; criticality – what can go wrong and how to prevent it; and radiometric detection methods to detect incidents and accidents. Areas covered include:<ul><li>Overview of Nuclear Power and its role in the energy mix and the zero carbon agenda.</li><li>Overview n the Nuclear Fuel Cycle.</li><li>Criticality definition and control.</li><li>Criticality Accidents, what, why, how could we prevent.</li><li>Interactions of radiation with Matter (alpha, beta, gamma and neutrons)</li><li>Radiation detection techniques (alpha, beta, gamma and neutron detectors)</li></ul>Optical spectroscopy of lanthanides and actinides (Conrad Goodwin)This section of the module covers the origin and uses of the optical (absorption and emission) properties of the lanthanide and actinide ions focussing on their use as luminescent chemical sensors and probes. Topics covered include:General lanthanide periodicity and nature of the f-orbitals in bonding Determination of coordination numbers in lanthanide complexes in aqueous solution The course unit aims to provide:<ul> <li> an understanding of the nature and properties of the atomic nucleus</li> <li> knowledge of the chemistry of the actinide elements, particularly electronic and molecular structure of actinide species</li> <li> an explanation of the origins of the chemical elements and their abundances, including the physical mechanisms and the relationships to the life cycles of stars.</li></ul> <ul type="disc"> <li> Understand simple models of the atomic nucleus and their relevance to physical properties.</li> <li> Explain the origins of the chemical elements and their universal abundances, and relate element production to the life cycle of stars and the nuclear reactions that take place in them.</li> <li> Understand the role of nuclear power in the context of zero carbon</li> <li> Understand the interaction of radiation with matter and the methods of radiation detection</li> <li> Understand the causes of criticality incidents and how to prevent them</li> <li> Understand the electronic structure and chemistry of the actinide elements and salient features of their chemistry.</li></ul>  Students should be able to:<ul> <li> Understand the basic concepts of radiochemistry</li> <li> Combine the basic principles of relevant physics and chemistry</li></ul>  <div> The following transferable skills will be developed: <ul> <li> Assimilation of complex physical and chemical concepts</li> <li> Analysis and synthesis of diverse ideas from different topics in the course</li> <li> Nuclear weapons design</li> <li> Time management and organisation</li> </ul></div>  Unseen Examination: 1 hour 45 mins 1 Written exam 100% Nucleosynthesis: There is a workshop session at the end of the nucleosythesis section, where the students can attempt and receive feedback on questions.The atomic nucleus: Students attempt past paper questions, and these are then worked through in a workshopInteractions of radiation with matter: The last lectures are interspersed with problems and questions to go through questions that were set during the course.Optical spectroscopy of lanthanides and actinides: The lectures are interspersed with problems and questions to go through alongside workshop/examples sessions and past paper questions with feedback provided.  CHEM10101 Introductory Chemistry Pre-Requisite Compulsory N <div> <ul> <li> Radiochemistry and nuclear chemistry (3rd ed) By Gregory R. Choppin, Jan-Olov Liljenzin, Jan Rydberg</li> <li> Chemistry of the f-block elements-Helen Aspinall (Gordon and Breach)</li> <li> The f elements-Nikolas Kaltsoyannis and Peter Scott (Oxford Chemistry Primers)</li> </ul></div>  Assessment written exam 2 Lectures 24 0 74