Nuclear Chemistry Test

Front

What are the three types of nuclear radiation?

Back

Alpha, beta, and gamma rays.

Front

What describes an isotope's half-life?

Back

A constant interval.

Front

Why do atomic nuclei give off particles?

Back

To become more stable.

Front

What are the three main sources of naturally-occurring radiation?

Back

Cosmic, terrestrial, and internal.

Front

What happens to the nuclear force as the nucleus of an atom increases in size?

Back

The nuclear force cannot hold the protons and neutrons tight, and the nucleus becomes unstable.

Front

Define nuclear chemistry.

Back

The study of the chemical and physical properties of elements as influenced by changes in the structure of the nucleus.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

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 a half-life in nuclear chemistry?

Back

It is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.