Nuclear Equations

Front

What is a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation is a representation of a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final nuclei and any emitted particles.

Front

What is the principle of 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 beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

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

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, carrying no mass or charge.

Front

What is fission?

Back

Fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons.

Front

What is fusion?

Back

Fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

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

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 critical mass?

Back

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.