Nuclear Chemistry Review

Front

What is the nuclear process occurring at a nuclear power plant?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process used in nuclear power plants, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What charge do alpha particles have?

Back

+2 charge.

Front

What do two different isotopes of an atom have in common?

Back

They have the same number of protons.

Front

What happens when the number of protons in an atom changes?

Back

The atom becomes a completely different atom, with different properties.

Front

What is the element represented by Cd-115?

Back

Cadmium with an atomic mass of 115.

Front

Define nuclear fusion.

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is the difference between isotopes and elements?

Back

Isotopes are variants of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What are the three main types of radiation?

Back

Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What is half-life in nuclear chemistry?

Back

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