Types of radiation

Front

What is alpha radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of particles made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (helium nuclei) that are emitted from a radioactive atom.

Front

How can you identify alpha radiation in a nuclear reaction?

Back

You can tell alpha radiation occurred if 2 protons and 2 neutrons (He molecule) are lost.

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

How can you identify beta radiation in a nuclear reaction?

Back

You can identify beta radiation if an electron is lost from the nucleus.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus, characterized by high energy and no mass.

Front

How can you identify gamma radiation in a nuclear reaction?

Back

You can tell gamma radiation occurred if a wavelike energy is released.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where small atomic nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fusion and fission?

Back

Fusion combines small nuclei to form a larger one, while fission splits a large nucleus into smaller ones.

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What are the applications of nuclear fusion?

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Nuclear fusion is used in stars, including the sun, and has potential for clean energy production on Earth.