On This Day – April 26 : An explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant occurred on this day in 1986

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The Chernobyl accident was the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel. The resulting steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the atmosphere.

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What happened today in chemistry? Explore 366 days of chemistry history at On This Day in Chemistry.

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Specification

Republic of Ireland
- Junior Cycle
  - Science
    - The nature of science
      - Science in society
        9. Research and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discovery and invention and its impact on society.
        10. Appreciate the role of science in society; and its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research.
- Leaving Certificate
  - Chemistry
    - 1. Periodic table and atomic structure
      - 1.3 Radioactivity
        Depth of treatment
        Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation (nature and penetrating ability). One example of each of: an α-emitter, e.g. ²⁴¹Am a β-emitter, e.g. ¹⁴C a γ-emitter, e.g. ⁶⁰Co.
        Distinction between chemical reaction and nuclear reaction (simple equations required - confine examples to alpha and beta emissions).
        Radioisotopes.
        Activities
        Demonstration of properties - detection and penetrating power (this cam be shown using an appropriate videotape if desired).

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