Nuclear Chemistry

Front

What does the atomic number represent in a nuclear symbol?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What happens to the atomic number of an element after alpha decay?

Back

The atomic number decreases by 2.

Front

What is the mass number of an element?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What distinguishes isotopes of the same element?

Back

Isotopes of the same element differ in the number of neutrons.

Front

What are gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays are high-energy photons emitted by radioactive substances.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

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

Front

What is a positron?

Back

A positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron, with the same mass but a positive charge.

Front

What is radioactivity?

Back

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, and is emitted during alpha decay.