MBEYA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF LABORATORY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

UQF 8: SECOND YEAR

NSLT 07403: NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

PRESENTATION: 0 5 marks/40

QUESTIONS

1. What is the fundamental difference between nuclear reactions

and chemical reactions?
2. Explain the concept of nuclear stability and how it relates to the

ratio of neutrons to protons in a nucleus (Diagram is needed).

3. Define half-life in the context of nuclear decay. Provide an

example of a radioactive isotope and its half-life.

4. Compare and contrast alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, positron,

and neutrino. Include their properties and penetrating abilities.

5. How does a positron differ from an electron regarding charge and

origin? Provide an example of a radioactive decay process involving

positron emission.

6. The laws of radioactivity describe the behaviour of radioactive materials

and the processes they undergo. Describe the seven (7) fundamental

laws of radioactivity.

7. Research on different methods used to detect radiation (e.g., Geiger-

 Muller counter, scintillation detector). Discuss the principles behind

each method and their applications in nuclear chemistry.

8. What is the significance of the mass-energy equivalence principle, as

expressed by Einstein's famous equation 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐2, in the context of

nuclear reactions?

9. Describe the process of nuclear fission and provide an example of a

practical application where it is utilized.

10. Discuss the importance of nuclear fusion in the context of energy

production. Highlight any challenges associated with achieving sustained

nuclear fusion reactions.

11. Explain the role of control rods in a nuclear reactor. How do they
contribute to regulating the rate of fission reactions?

12. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy compared

to other energy sources.

13. Discuss the challenges associated with nuclear waste disposal.

14. Describe current methods for managing nuclear waste and potential
future developments in the field.

15. Explore the use of radioactive isotopes in medicine, agriculture, food

production, and industries.

16. Discuss how nuclear chemistry is used to diagnose and treat diseases.
17. Discuss the science behind nuclear weapons and their development.