Nuclear Reactions

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

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

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves.

Front

What are the three main types of radioactive decay?

Back

The three main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

Front

Which type of radiation is the least penetrating?

Back

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.

Front

Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Back

Gamma radiation is the most penetrating and requires dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete to be stopped.

Front

How does nuclear energy compare to chemical energy?

Back

Nuclear reactions produce proportionally far more energy than chemical reactions, making them much more powerful.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Front

What is a proton?

Back

A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, contributing to the atomic number and mass.