1st Semester final review #1: At. Theory and Radioactivity

Front

What are the three types of nuclear radiation ranked from largest to smallest size?

Back

Alpha, beta, and gamma.

Front

What is the hottest part of a Bunsen burner flame?

Back

The tip of the inner blue cone.

Front

How does an atom in the ground state become excited?

Back

The atom absorbs energy, and one or more electrons move to a higher electron shell.

Front

What is the reason for the smaller atomic radius of a magnesium atom compared to a sodium atom?

Back

A larger nuclear charge.

Front

Which statement is not true of fission reactions?

Back

Stable, lightweight nuclei start the process.

Front

Define nuclear fission.

Back

Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in a fission reaction?

Back

Neutrons can initiate a chain reaction by colliding with large nuclei.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What happens to an electron when an atom absorbs energy?

Back

The electron moves to a higher energy level or shell.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number defines the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity.