Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fall 2014: CHEM 312 Lecture 11 Chemical Speciation

This lecture covers fundamentals of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, mainly as a review. Thermodynamic laws, electrochemical reactions, and acid-base reactions are covered. The thermodynamic discussion relates to Gibbs free energy and equilibrium constants. Kinetic discussion related to its use in data analysis Emphasis of the lectures is applied to information useful for speciation modeling. Calculations and models for speciation are discussed. Equilibrium modeling using EXCEL and the program CHESS are presented. 

Monday, October 20, 2014

Fall 2014: CHEM 312, Lecture 10 Radiation Interactions

This lecture, in 2 parts, covers interaction of radiation with matter and includes fundamental interactions, particle ranges, dosimetry, and hot atom chemistry. Interaction of radiation with matter covers energy loss and reactions with charged particles and photons. The stopping power of charged particles in different material is covered, including calculations on energy loss with thickness. Electron backscattering is introduced with examples on different behavior with varied elements. Discussion on photon interaction includes photoelectric effect, Compton effect, and pair production. Units of dosimetry are described. Dosimetry measurements are discussed and quality factors based on particle mass and charge are introduced. Introductory dose calculations are supplied. Radiation protection regulations and the definition of terms (ALI, DAC) are given. A review of hot atom chemistry is given.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Fall 2014: CHEM 312 Quiz 2

Assigned: 15 October 2014
1st Answers Due: 24 October 2014
2nd Answers Due 28 October 2014
Quiz 2 office hours: 1400-1530, 24 October 2014, 1st floor HRC

Use the chart of the nuclides, table of the isotopes, and/or data from the web links to answer the following questions. Please feel free to contact me via the blog with questions.

The first set of answers are due 24 October 2014. The answers will be posted. A second set of answers correcting error are due 28 October 2014.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Fall 2014: Chem 312, Lecture 9 Nuclear Reactions

The lecture on nuclear reactions is presented in two parts. Nuclear reaction notation is introduced. The role of energetics in nuclear reactions is discussed and evaluated, including Q value, reaction barriers, and threshold energy. Center of mass and laboratory frames are discussed. The different processes involved in the formation of isotopes is provided including photonuclear processes. Reaction energetics, mechanisms and types are described. Nuclear reaction cross sections are described, with a presentation on values and limits given. This includes role of angular momentum in cross section values. The stellar production of elements is presented in terms of nuclear reactions. These provide the basis for understanding the formation of isotopes in stars. 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fall 2014: CHEM 312 Lecture 8 Nuclear Models

This lecture provides information on nuclear force and nuclear models. The strong force is introduced through isospin. A comparison of exchange particles is provided. The use of mirror nuclei to examine the strong force is presented. An overview of nuclear potentials is provided and used to discuss the shell model. States of the shell model and their relationship to magic numbers are discussed. Use of the shell model is determine nuclide spin and parity is presented. The relationship between spin and parity with nuclear deformation is introduced with Nilsson diagrams. Additional information on Nilsson diagrams can be found in the Table of the Isotopes. An introduction of the Fermi model for energetic nuclei is given.