Nuclear Physics/Chemistry

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus.

Front

What material is most effective for stopping gamma rays?

Back

Several centimeters of lead are most effective for stopping gamma rays due to their dense atomic structure.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a new element.

Front

What element does polonium-208 decay to when it emits an alpha particle?

Back

Polonium-208 decays to lead-204 (Pb-204) when it emits an alpha particle.

Front

How is the half-life of a radioactive substance defined?

Back

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

Front

Calculate the remaining amount of sodium-24 after 3.75 days if the initial sample was 20.0 grams. (Half-life = 15 hours)

Back

0.313 g of sodium-24 will remain after 3.75 days.

Front

What is the formula for calculating remaining quantity after a certain number of half-lives?

Back

Remaining quantity = Initial quantity × (1/2)^(time elapsed / half-life).

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number in nuclear reactions?

Back

The atomic number determines the element's identity and is crucial for balancing nuclear reactions.

Front

What is a neutron's role in the nucleus?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons.