Nuclear Changes Thermodynamics

 Three Types:  1. Radioactive Decay- Atoms emit high energy particles and waves as they change into new less reactive atoms.  2. Nuclear Fission- Atomic nuclei with large mass numbers split into isotopes with smaller mass numbers and release energy.  3. Nuclear Fusion- Two atoms usually hydrogen fuse together to produce one helium atom and energy.

 Unstable isotopes called radioisotopes release have energy particles and waves as they decay into more stable isotopes over time.  This time is called a Half-life- the amount of time it takes for one-half of the radioisotope to decay.

 Alpha particles- fast moving, positively charged, made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons  Beta particles- fast moving, negatively charged, made of electrons.  Gamma rays- high energy electromagnetic radiation. The most common and most dangerous type of ionizing radiation.

 First Law of Thermodynamics  Energy is neither created or destroyed, but may change form.  Second Law of Thermodynamics  When energy changes form, some energy is always degraded into lower quality.

 High-Throughput Economy—High quality energy and matter go in, waste is produced, and low quality energy and matter come out.  Matter Recycling Economy—Saves matter and energy, however, matter and energy still eventually degrade.  Low-Throughput Economy—Maximizes matter and energy flow, is more sustainable because of less waste.