Influence of Chemical Bonding on Nuclear Properties

In the preceding chapter chemical effects of nuclear reactions have been discussed. On the other hand, the electronic structure, in particular chemical bonds, may affect nuclear properties. However, because the binding energies of the electrons are smaller by a factor of the order of 10 to 10 than the binding energies of the nucleons, the influence of chemical bonding on nuclear properties is, in general, relatively small. 

Research in nuclear and radiochemistry comprises Study of radioactive matter in nature, investigation of radioactive transmutations and of nuclear reactions by chemical methods, hot atom chemistry (chemical effects of nuclear reactions) and influence of chemical bonding on nuclear properties, production of radionuclides and labelled compounds, and the chemistry of radioelements - which represent more than a quarter of all chemical elements. 

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