Nuclear Equations

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation represents the transformation of one element into another through nuclear reactions, showing the atomic numbers and mass numbers of the involved particles.

Front

Define beta decay.

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Front

What is the general form of a beta decay equation?

Back

The general form is: A_Z^X → A_(Z+1)^(Y) + 0_-1e, where X is the parent nucleus, Y is the daughter nucleus, and e is the emitted beta particle.

Front

What is the general form of an alpha decay equation?

Back

The general form is: A_Z^X → A_(Z-2)^(Y) + 4_2He, where X is the parent nucleus, Y is the daughter nucleus, and He is the emitted alpha particle.

Front

How does beta decay affect atomic mass and atomic number?

Back

In beta decay, the atomic mass remains the same, but the atomic number increases by 1 due to the conversion of a neutron into a proton.

Front

How does alpha decay affect atomic mass and atomic number?

Back

In alpha decay, the atomic mass decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2 due to the emission of an alpha particle.

Front

What is the significance of the conservation of mass and charge in nuclear reactions?

Back

In nuclear reactions, both mass and charge are conserved, meaning the total mass and total charge before the reaction must equal the total mass and total charge after the reaction.

Front

What is a half-life in the context of radioactive decay?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.