Nuclear Reactions, Decay, and Half-Life

Front

What is fusion in nuclear reactions?

Back

Fusion is the process of combining two small nuclei to form a larger nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

What particle is emitted during beta decay?

Back

An electron is emitted during beta decay.

Front

What type of nuclear radiation is emitted during beta decay?

Back

Beta radiation is emitted during beta decay.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

If you start with 20 grams of a substance with a half-life of 2 seconds, how much will remain after 4 seconds?

Back

5 grams will remain after 4 seconds.

Front

What happens to the proton number and mass number during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, the proton number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

Front

What is the new proton number and mass number of plutonium (mass number 240, proton number 94) after alpha decay?

Back

The new proton number is 92 and the mass number is 236.

Front

Define fission in nuclear reactions.

Back

Fission is the process of splitting a large nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Front

What is a gamma particle?

Back

A gamma particle is a high-energy photon emitted during radioactive decay, carrying no mass or charge.

Front

How does beta decay affect the atomic number of an element?

Back

Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1, as a neutron is converted into a proton.