RSC - Advancing the Chemical Sciences


Education

 

Nuclear and atomic chemistry


  1. The range of chemical techniques developed for monitoring and analysing materials and chemicals associated with atomic weapons research is discussed.

  2. When dealing with atomic chemistry, materials with tailored properties are often required, for example polymers and foamed materials. The manufacture and uses of cellular materials (foams) are looked at using well-known materials such as soap bubbles, shaving foam, AeroT, chocolate etc. These are compared with silicone rubbers and polyurethane foams. 

  3. The various chemical processes involved in nuclear power generation are explained. 

  4. Purification of uranium ore is discussed and some of the chemical principles involved demonstrated.