Spring 2016: CHEM 312 Lecture 13 Neptunium Chemistry

Neptunium chemistry is covered in this lecture. Nuclear properties and synthesis of neptunium are described, with emphasis placed on the isotopes ^235-239Np. The synthesis and properties of neptunium metal, alloys, and intermetallic compounds are introduced. The lecture describes neptunium compound synthesis, with resulting thermodynamic and structural properties provided. Neptunium organometallic and coordination compounds are also presented. Information on neptunium solution speciation, redox, and spectroscopy is given, with trends based on oxidation state examined. A presentation of analytical methods useful in neptunium chemistry, including Mössbauer spectroscopy, concludes the lecture. Comparisons are made with uranium chemistry to provide trends in the actinides.

Spring 2016: CHEM 312 Lecture 12 Uranium Chemistry

Uranium chemistry is covered in this lecture with an emphasis on separations and synthesis for the nuclear fuel cycle. The solution chemistry of uranium is explored, focusing on uranyl. The molecular orbital of uranium is described. Separation of uranium by solvent extraction and ion exchange is presented. The enrichment of uranium from the uranium hexafluoride species is discussed, including diffusion, centrifuge, and laser methods. Oxide species of uranium are presented. Due to its potential as a nuclear fuel, the synthesis and properties of uranium metal and alloys are described in detail.  With three different phase, the uranium metal exhibits more complex electronic behavior than the metals of the lighter actinides, a trend that continues to plutonium metal. 

Spring 2016: CHEM 312 Lecture 11 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. 

Spring 2016: 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.

Spring 2016: 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.

Spring 2016: CHEM 312 Quiz 2

Quiz 2

Assigned:  5 March 2016                                                           

Due: 10 March 2016                                                                   

2^nd Due date:  14 March 2016

Lecture 4:  Alpha Decay

Lecture 5:  Beta Decay

Lecture 6:  Gamma Decay

Lecture 7:  Fission

Use lecture notes, textbooks, Chart of the Nuclides, Table of the Isotopes, and web pages.  Use the chart of the nuclides as your primary dataset for isotope half-life.   Show your work or references on a separate page and save electronically.  Submission of the work is not required for the 1^st due date.  Please use 3 significant digits for your answers.  For scientific notation please use X.XXEX (i.e, 1230 as 1.23E3)    

The first set of answers are due 10 March 2016. The answers will be posted on 11 March 2016. A second set of answers with corrected errors are due 14 March 16.