5.4 Mastery Check v2: Natural Transmutation

Front

What is natural transmutation?

Back

Natural transmutation is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus spontaneously transforms into a different element or isotope, often emitting particles such as alpha or beta particles.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is 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.

Front

Complete the equation: \(^{209}_{83}Bi \rightarrow \_ + \; ^{205}_{81}Tl\)

Back

\(^{4}_{2}He\) (an alpha particle) is emitted.

Front

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

Back

The atomic number determines the element's identity and must be conserved in nuclear reactions.

Front

Identify the missing substance: \( \_ \rightarrow ^{137}_{56}Ba + ^{0}_{-1}e\)

Back

\(^{137}_{55}Cs\) is the missing substance.

Front

What is the conservation of mass-energy principle in nuclear reactions?

Back

In nuclear reactions, the total mass and energy before and after the reaction must remain constant, as described by Einstein's equation \(E=mc^2\).

Front

What is a nuclear decay reaction?

Back

A nuclear decay reaction is a process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is a gamma ray?

Back

A gamma ray is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear decay, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in nuclear stability?

Back

Neutrons help stabilize the nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between protons; an imbalance can lead to radioactive decay.