Unit 5 Review: Nuclear Chemistry

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Front

What is the half-life of a radioactive substance?

Back

The half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a different element or isotope.

Front

How many half-lives are needed for a substance to decay from 10 g to 1.25 g?

Back

3 half-lives.

Front

Which radioactive isotope is commonly used in cancer treatment?

Back

Cobalt-60 is commonly used in radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Front

What particle is emitted during alpha decay?

Back

An alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Front

If a substance has a half-life of 2 minutes, how much of an 80 g sample remains after 10 minutes?

Back

2.5 g of barium-122 will remain after 10 minutes.

Front

What is the decay product of uranium-238 after alpha decay?

Back

Thorium-234 is the decay product of uranium-238 after it undergoes alpha decay.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in nuclear chemistry?

Back

Half-life helps determine the stability of a radioactive isotope and how long it will take for a sample to decay.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during the decay of a radioactive isotope.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom, often accompanying alpha or beta decay.