Types of Radiation & Nuclear Reactions

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization.

Front

What are the three main types of nuclear radiation?

Back

Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, making it identical to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and energy, emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

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

Front

What is half-life?

Back

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

Front

What is a nuclear reaction?

Back

A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei or nuclear particles collide, producing different products than the initial particles.

Front

What is the role of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

Back

A moderator slows down the neutrons produced during fission to increase the likelihood of further fission reactions.