INSTITUT PENDIDIKAN GURU

KEMENTERIAN PENDIDIKAN MALAYSIA

KAMPUS TEMENGGONG IBRAHIM
JOHOR

SCES3163
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY – ESSAY WRITING

Nama : LIM SHI YI

No. K/P : 011129-07-0186
Angka Giliran : 2020122340262
Program : 9 PISMP
Ambilan : JUN 2020
Unit : SJK (C)
Nama Pensyarah : PN HJH HALINA BINTI KASMANI
Tarikh Hantar : 24 OKTOBER 2023

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1.0 Introduction

Electrochemistry is a branch of physical chemistry that studies the relationship

between electricity and chemical reactions (Brown et al., 2018). Whereas, nuclear chemistry
is a study of radioactivity, nuclear reactions, or transformations that occur inside atoms
(Heroux, 2023). Both of these fields play pivotal roles in our daily lives which involves the
principle of energy conversion through various reactions, for instance conversion of electrical
energy to chemical energy in electrochemistry to store energy in battery. The concepts of
electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry will be discussed in this essay as well as their
significance in everyday life and the environmental consequences of their uses.

2.0 Concept of electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry

According to Chaudhary & Khanuja (2022), electrochemistry deals with chemical

reactions that produce electrical currents and chemical reactions that are triggered by the
flow of electricity. Electrochemical cells consist of two half-cells: an anode (where oxidation
occurs) and a cathode (where reduction occurs). The transfer of electrons between these
electrodes is essential for generating electrical energy (Brown et al., 2018). These reactions
are broadly classified into two categories: production of chemical change by electrical energy,
known as electrolysis using electrolytic cell; and conversion of chemical energy into electrical
energy, known as the generation of electricity by spontaneous redox reactions using galvanic
cell (Appendix A).

On the contrary, nuclear chemistry deals with the energy released from nuclear
reactions which can mainly classified as nuclear fission, nuclear fusion and radioactive decay.
Nuclear fission is the type of reaction where the atom’s nucleus splits into smaller parts
releasing a huge amount of energy; whereas, nuclear fusion is a type of reaction where two
or more elements fuse together to form a larger element, releasing a large amount of energy
(Appendix B). Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses
energy by radiation to transform into stable nucleus. As stated by Paula et al. (2017), there
are three common types of radioactive decay, which are alpha, beta and gamma decay.

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3.0 Analyze the importance of electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry

Electrochemistry is important in our life and environment, which can help in preserving
the environment and ease human’s life. One of the significant contributions of
electrochemistry, as highlighted in the study by Ganiyu et al. (2020), is its valuable
applications in addressing wastewater and soil contamination by harnessing renewable
energy sources, such as solar and wind power, as the driving force (as shown in Appendix C).
In electrochemical decontamination processes, graphite electrodes are submerged in the
contaminated medium to apply an electric potential. This potential initiates redox reactions at
the electrodes, known as electrolysis, leading to the degradation of pollutants or the
conversion of contaminants into less harmful forms.

In addition, nuclear chemistry plays a critical role in healthcare by advancing the field
of nuclear medicine. Radioactive isotopes, such as technetium-99m (Rogers, 2018), are
utilized in this context. These isotopes can undergo radioactive decay processes inside the
patient's body, which help in diagnostic imaging, enabling early disease detection and
treatment planning. Furthermore, as noted by Rogers (2018), radioactive isotopes also find
application in radiation therapy, facilitating the destruction of cancer cells and other targeted
abnormal tissue growth, such as in cases of hyperthyroidism.

4.0 Evaluate the usage of electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry in daily life

In our daily life, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry also has numerous practical
application, from storage and generation of electricity needed for building and electrical
devices such as smartphones to provide medical treatment by using radiation therapy. In
terms of electrochemistry, the most extensive application of it in our daily life is producing
batteries, helping to store electricity while release it when needed (Schmidt-Rohr, 2018). This
application is pivotal especially in this current digital age which uses a lot of electrical devices
such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and flashlights. However, batteries often contain
corrosive and toxic chemicals such as lead-acid, cadmium, and lithium. When batteries are
damaged or disposed of incorrectly, these chemicals can leak into the environment,
contaminating soil and water (Mrozik et al., 2021). This can lead to water pollution, harming
aquatic ecosystems and potentially affecting human health if the contaminated water is
consumed.

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 On the other hand, the primary purpose of nuclear chemistry in power stations is to
generate electricity by the process of nuclear fission. As mention by Galindo (2022), in this
process, the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount
of energy. This energy is harnessed to heat water, produce steam, and drive turbines
connected to generators, which generate electrical power. Nuclear energy is a significant
source of clean and reliable power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless,
nuclear power plant also would produce nuclear waste which is detrimental to the
environment. This situation can be seen where Japan is to begin releasing wastewater from
the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (Appendix D). Tritium and carbon-14
released by their nuclear plant are, respectively, radioactive forms of hydrogen and carbon,
and are difficult to separate from water and removed by the facility’s water filtration
technology. Therefore, they are widely present in the natural environment, water and even in
humans, as these radioactive materials can enter the water cycle (Wong, 2023).

5.0 Conclusion

As a summary, this essay has explored the fundamental principles and significance of
electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry in our daily lives and the environment. The practical
applications of these fields are extensive, from powering our electronic devices to generating
reliable electricity using nuclear fission in power stations. However, if these chemical
technologies also cause environment challenges if not managed properly. Therefore, it is
essential to strike a balance between the benefits they offer and the environmental
consequences they may entail. Through responsible use and continued research, we can
maximize the advantages of electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry while minimizing their
negative impacts, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

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6.0 Reference

Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C. J., Woodward, P. M. & Stoltzfus, M. W.
(Ed.). (2018). Chemistry: The central science. Pearson.
Chaudhary, N., & Khanuja, M. (2022). Electrochemistry—Concepts and methodologies. In
Electrochemical Sensors (pp. 31-50). Woodhead Publishing.
Galindo, A. (2022, November 15). What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power.
International Atomic Energy Agency.
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear
-power
Ganiyu, S. O., Martinez-Huitle, C. A., & Rodrigo, M. A. (2020). Renewable energies driven
electrochemical wastewater/soil decontamination technologies: A critical review of
fundamental concepts and applications. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 270,
118857.
Heroux, K. (2023). Nuclear chemistry. American Chemical Society.
https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields/nuclear-chemistry.html
McCurry, J. (2023, August 23). Fukushima: wastewater from ruined nuclear plant to be
released from Thursday, Japan says. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/22/fukushima-wastewater-from-r
uined-nuclear-plant-to-be-released-from-thursday-japan-says
Mrozik, W., Rajaeifar, M. A., Heidrichab, O & Christensenab, P. (2021). Environmental
impacts, pollution sources and pathways of spent lithium-ion batteries. Energy &
Environmental Science, 14(12), 6099-6121. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE00691F
Paula, J. D. & Atkins, P. (Ed.). (2017). Elements of Physical Chemistry. Oxford University
Press.
Rogers, K. (2018, March 6). How Radioactive Isotopes are Used in Medicine. Encyclopedia
Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/story/how-radioactive-isotopes-are-used-in-medicine
Sahay, A. (2023, June 22). Electrochemical Cell: Working Principle, Reaction. Embibe.
https://www.embibe.com/exams/electrochemical-cell/
Schmidt-Rohr, K. (2018). How Batteries Store and Release Energy: Explaining Basic
Electrochemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 95(10), 1801-1810.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00479
Wong, T. (2023, August 25). Fukushima: What are the concerns over waste water release?
BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66106162

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Appendix A

Difference between electrolytic and galvanic cell. (Source: Sahay, 2023)

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Appendix B

Difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

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Appendix C

Electrochemical wastewater/soil decontamination technologies

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Appendix D

Storage tanks containing wastewater from Japan’s crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
power plant (Source: McCurry, 2023)

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