CHEM 312 Lecture 1 Part 2 2025: Introductory lecture material and nuclear data

This lecture introduces the fundamentals of radiochemistry, covering atomic and nuclear structure, isotope composition, and the forces governing nuclear interactions. It explores radioactive decay, including alpha, beta, and gamma processes, and their effects on isotope stability. A focus is the Chart of the Nuclides, which is presented as an essential tool for interpreting nuclear data such as decay modes and half-lives. The lecture also covers resources like the NNDC and IAEA websites, and the IAEA Isotope Browser. Historical milestones in radiochemistry are discussed, highlighting the contributions of pioneers such as Becquerel, the Curies, and Rutherford, as well as early work in artificial radioactivity and transuranium elements. This context enriches students' understanding of radiochemistry's development and applications. By the end of the lecture, students will gain a solid foundation in radiochemistry, appreciate its historical significance, and be encouraged to engage with course materials actively. The session concludes with study questions designed to reinforce key concepts and spark curiosity for future topics.