Half life practice problems

Front

What is Half-life?

Back

The amount of time it takes for half the nuclei in a sample of the isotope to decay.

Front

What is a Nuclear chain reaction?

Back

A process where the products of one reaction cause additional reactions.

Front

After the third half-life, how much of the sample is left?

Back

1/8 of the original sample.

Front

What is Nuclear fission?

Back

When scientists split the nuclei of atoms with neutrons.

Front

What type of radiation is emitted if it is reduced significantly when wrapped in foil?

Back

Beta radiation.

Front

What happens during a half-life?

Back

Half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample decay.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in radioactive dating?

Back

It helps determine the age of materials by measuring the remaining radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is an example of a radioactive isotope?

Back

Carbon-14.

Front

What is Nuclear fusion?

Back

The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is the difference between Nuclear fission and Nuclear fusion?

Back

Fission splits heavy nuclei, while fusion combines light nuclei.