Inorganic chemistry

Elements

-cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Atoms

-the smallest part of the molecule that take part in chemical change.

Proton Number

-number of protons in the nucleus of the atom is called the proton number or the atomic number.

Nucleon Number

-number of protons+neutrons in the nucleus of the atom is called the nucleon number or the mass number.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same elements with different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes.

(Different isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties but may have slightly different physical properties.)

Radioisotopes

If an isotopes is radioactive,
-its nucleus is unstable
-it breaks down over a period of time - it decays
-as it decays, the nucleus gives out tiny particles or rays
These isotopes are called radioisotopes.

Uses of radioisotopes

medicine, industry and for military purposes
to date ancient remains
the home and workplace(the radioisotpe americium-241 is used in smoke detectors)

Medical uses of radioisotopes

to kill cancer cells(isotope of colbolt)
treatment of overactive thyroid glands and locating tumours in the body
to sterilise medical equipment

NMR

NMR(nuclear magnetic resonance) is an experimental method of the following biochemical reactions in both cells and entire organs under normal physiological condition.
The principle of NMR is that a sample is placed in a strong magnetic field and subjected to radio waves of a frequency appropriate to the nucleus of the element being studied.
For biochemical work, ³¹P and ¹³C are frequently used.
NMR has the advantage of not using radiation, such as x rays, which have very harmful side effects.
The use of NMR for medical diagnosis of brain and heart damage resulting from strokes or heart attacks is just beginning.