Nuclear chemistry

The structure is explained of elementary particles and the atomic nucleus, the mechanism of radioactive transformations of nuclides and of nuclear reactions, and the general properties of nuclides. The effects are described of nuclear radiation on matter from the chemical point of view, the methods of isotope analysis and diverse techniques used for the preparation of radionuclides and labelled compounds. Tracer methods in chemical analysis are explained as are activation, X-ray fluorescence and Moessbauer analysis. A brief explanation is presented of nuclear reactors, the manufacture and reprocessing of fuel and radioactive waste disposal. (M.D.)