PS Chapter 10 Review

Front

What is the principle of nuclear decay rates?

Back

Nuclear decay rates are constant, regardless of temperature, pressure, or surface area.

Front

Can atoms of one element change into atoms of a different element during nuclear decay?

Back

Yes, during nuclear decay, atoms of one element can change into atoms of a completely different element.

Front

Who discovered radioactivity?

Back

French physicist Antoine Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity while performing experiments with photographic plates.

Front

What is the characteristic of all nuclei with 83 or more protons?

Back

All nuclei with 83 or more protons are radioactive.

Front

Which of the following elements is not naturally occurring: terbium (Tb), Curium (Cm), holmium (Ho), or lutetium (Lu)?

Back

Curium (Cm) is not naturally occurring.

Front

Define radioactivity.

Back

Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is a radioactive element?

Back

A radioactive element is one that has an unstable nucleus and can undergo radioactive decay.

Front

What happens during alpha decay?

Back

During alpha decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element.

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 significance of the atomic number in determining an element's identity?

Back

The atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus, uniquely identifies an element.