Nuclear Equations

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation is a representation of a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final isotopes involved, along with any emitted particles.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, represented as \(^{4}_{2}He\).

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

What is the symbol for a beta particle?

Back

The symbol for a beta particle is \(^{0}_{-1}e\) for an electron and \(^{0}_{+1}e\) for a positron.

Front

What is the conservation of mass in nuclear reactions?

Back

In nuclear reactions, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products, accounting for mass-energy equivalence.

Front

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

Back

The atomic number indicates the number of protons in an atom and determines the element's identity; it must be conserved in nuclear reactions.

Front

What is the significance of the mass number in nuclear equations?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom; it must also be conserved in nuclear reactions.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Front

What is a gamma ray?

Back

A gamma ray is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay, represented as \(^{0}_{0}\gamma\).

Front

What is the process of nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.