Nuclear Reactions, Decay, and Half-Life

Front

What is a nuclear reaction?

Back

A process in which two or more atomic nuclei collide, resulting in the transformation of the nuclei and the release of energy.

Front

Define radioactive decay.

Back

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

Front

What is half-life?

Back

The time taken for half of a quantity of radioactive atoms to decay.

Front

What are alpha particles?

Back

Helium nuclei, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What are beta particles?

Back

High-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during beta decay.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Electromagnetic radiation of high frequency emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Front

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

Back

Alpha decay emits alpha particles, beta decay emits beta particles (electrons or positrons), and gamma decay emits gamma rays (high-energy photons).

Front

What is a daughter isotope?

Back

The product of the decay of a parent isotope.

Front

What is a parent isotope?

Back

The original unstable isotope that undergoes radioactive decay.

Front

What is the decay constant?

Back

A value that represents the probability of decay of a radioactive isotope per unit time.