Nuclear Reactions, Decay, and Half-Life

Front

What is a nuclear reaction?

Back

A process in which two nuclei or nuclear particles collide, resulting in the release of energy and the formation of new particles.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

Define half-life.

Back

The time taken for half of an amount of radioactive atoms to decay.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during radioactive decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

A form of electromagnetic radiation of high energy and short wavelength emitted from a radioactive nucleus.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

A nuclear reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining amount of a radioactive substance after a certain number of half-lives?

Back

Use the formula: Remaining amount = Initial amount × (1/2)^(number of half-lives).

Front

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of heavy particles, beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons, and gamma radiation consists of high-energy photons.