Energy Common Assessment

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a radioactive isotope after multiple half-lives?

Back

Divide the initial amount by 2 for each half-life that has passed.

Front

What percentage of a radioactive isotope remains after 1 half-life?

Back

50% of the original amount.

Front

What happens to the nucleus during nuclear fission?

Back

The nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

A process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is the primary fuel for fusion reactions in the sun?

Back

Hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is the result of a fusion reaction?

Back

The formation of helium and the release of a large amount of energy.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fission and fusion?

Back

Fission splits a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei; fusion combines light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is carbon-14 used for in dating?

Back

To determine the age of organic materials by measuring the remaining carbon-14.

Front

How much of the original carbon-14 remains after 3 half-lives?

Back

12.5% of the original amount.