Discussion on mass energy equivalence... How to determine the mass deficit caused by a nuclear radiation reaction... The difference in mass will be seen as energy emitted by the reaction, based on Einstein's formula E=MC^2. Anything with mass also has energy. A problem was viewed which showed how to find the exact amount of energy released when 1 U-232 atom undergoes alpha emission with the formation of a thorium nuclei. Binding energy was also explained. Assignment was to solve 3 beta emission equations...

Discuss atomic radii being determined by the amount of electric charge in the nucleus. Hydrogen with only 1 proton has a radius of 1x10^-15 m, while helium, atomic number 2, has a radius of .62x10^-11 m. Explain the difference as a factor of the nuclear electric attraction. View lithium from the periodic table and note its radii, even smaller. State the reason why the radii are becoming smaller with increasing atomic number.Note that heavier elements are not much larger in radius than lighter elements. Discuss the emission of x-rays as electrons transition from one energy level to another. Recall that x -rays are electromagnetic, and the moving charge creates a magnetic field, also.

The equations leading to the production of plutonium from U-238 were shown as a series of 5 steps. The last step being the production of highly fissionable plutonium from uranium 238 without the need to enrich to Uranium 235. Plutonium was also discussed as a poison, being used by the Russians to poison a number of counter agents. The theory of mass energy equivalence was introduced, leading to Einstein's famous equation of E = MC^2

A review of radioactive emission was undertaken by writing 2 equations, one of an alpha decay equation and one of a beta decay equation. After evaluation of the equations, the operation and makeup of a nuclear reactor was presented. The use of moderators, control rods, and the uranium core all working to affect a controlled fission. An image of a standard type reactor was seen and the flow of heat and water to turn the turbine and the generator explained.

Review and evaluation of chapter test questions dealing with radioactivity, isotopes, radioactive decay and chain reactions.

Textbook test questions dealing with fission, fusion, and radioactive decay... Evaluation of answers...

Discuss the need to separate the U-235 from the U-238 in a sample of uranium. The 235 is fissionable using most neutrons, while the 238 requires very high speed neutrons. Only 0.7% of a sample of uranium is the isotope 235, which must be separated. The 2 methods of separation are gaseous diffusion and centrifuging. The term diffusion had to be explained, and then the gaseous diffusion method discussed in detail. The centrifuge method was also briefly discussed, as to how it works and differs from the gaseous diffusion method.

View and discuss the standard model of nuclear physics. This involves a presentation of quarks and leptons, baryons and antiparticles. The structure of protons and neutrons based on arrangements of these sub atomic particles and force carriers was presented briefly to point out the direction which physics and chemistry is now taking.

Presentation by CNBC on the current progress of fusion reactors being built throughout the world. The theory and science behind the fusion reaction, and how it will stack up to fission generated electric power, and renewable energy sources of generation.

Discussion regarding fusion as compared to fission... Present the fusion reactions equations which occur in the sun, with the derivation of the final equation leading to the production of 1 helium atom from the fusion of 4 protons.