Exploring Nuclear Reactions and Half-Life

Front

What is a radioisotope?

Back

A radioisotope is an isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays.

Front

True or False: All radioisotopes decay at the same rate.

Back

False

Front

What is half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a substance after several half-lives?

Back

To calculate the remaining amount, divide the original amount by 2 for each half-life that has passed.

Front

Where does nuclear fusion occur naturally?

Back

Nuclear fusion occurs naturally in the sun.

Front

What is a common problem associated with nuclear power facilities?

Back

It is difficult to dispose of nuclear waste.

Front

What percentage of Carbon-14 remains after 22,800 years?

Back

6.25%.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What are the products of nuclear fission?

Back

The products of nuclear fission include smaller nuclei, neutrons, and a large amount of energy.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.