Chemistry students are ending the year off with their final unit, nuclear chemistry. 

The unit allows students to explore how radiation works and how nuclear chemistry impacts everyday life through energy and scientific research.

“Nuclear chemistry occurs in the nucleus of the atom,” advanced chemistry teacher Angela Montgomery said. “It can be nuclear radiation, which is just the spontaneous emission of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays to increase the stability of an atom. Radiation is occurring, but we can’t see it, so we are exposed to it all day long, which is why we wear sunscreen to protect us. It’s just important to be aware that these things are occurring.” 

The unit encourages students to think outside the box, helping them better understand how chemistry connects to the real world.

“I like nuclear chemistry more than the other units because it’s easier,” sophomore Ryan Jensen said. “It’s less about doing math, and it’s more about knowing the history of it and what you’re learning.”