Some important discoveries in scientific history that contributed to the development of nuclear chemistry are listed below. Briefly, describe each discovery, identify prominent scientists who contributed to it, and comment on the significance of the discovery to the development of this field.

(a) 1896, the discovery of radioactivity

(b) 1898, the identification of radium and polonium

(c) 1919, the first artificial nuclear reaction

Interpretation: A brief description about the discovery of radioactivity has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear chemistry is all about what happens in the nucleus of an atom.

Radioactivity is the property of some atomic nuclei of spontaneously emitting gamma rays or subatomic particles.

In march, 1, 1896 Henry Becquerel discoveries radioactivity. In one of the most well-known accidental discoveries in the history of physics, on overcast day in March 1896, French physicist Henri Becquerel opened a drawer and discovered spontaneous radioactivity.

In 1896 Henri Becquerel was using naturally fluorescent minerals to study the properties of X-rays...

Interpretation: A brief description about the discovery of identification of radium and polonium has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear chemistry is all about what happens in the nucleus of an atom.

Radioactivity is the property of some atomic nuclei of spontaneously emitting gamma rays or subatomic particles.

Interpretation: A brief description about the first artificial nuclear reaction has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear chemistry is all about what happens in the nucleus of an atom.

Radioactivity is the property of some atomic nuclei of spontaneously emitting gamma rays or subatomic particles.

Nuclear reaction is a physical process in which there is a change in identity of an atomic nucleus. Natural radioactive decays, artificial radioactive decays... are considered as nuclear reactions because these processes make changes in the identity of an atomic nucleus.