Nuclear Chemistry Review

Front

What type of nuclear decay can be stopped by skin or paper?

Back

Alpha decay.

Front

Why are nuclear power plants used despite producing toxic waste?

Back

They can convert a small mass into a lot of energy.

Front

What is a major challenge in carrying out a fusion reaction in a nuclear reactor?

Back

It requires extremely high temperatures.

Front

If you start with 100 grams of iodine-131 and the half-life is 2 days, how many grams are left after 6 days?

Back

12.5 grams.

Front

What type of energy does the sun use?

Back

Nuclear fusion.

Front

Define nuclear fission.

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

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

Front

What type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Back

Gamma radiation.

Front

What is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors?

Back

Uranium-235.