Flashcard --- Nuclear Decay

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a change of one element into another.

Front

What element is produced in beta decay?

Back

In beta decay, the original element transforms into a different element, which can be identified based on the decay process.

Front

What is fission reaction?

Back

Fission reaction is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is the role of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

Back

Control rods are used in a nuclear reactor to absorb neutrons and slow down the rate of nuclear reactions, helping to control the reactor's power output.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, both releasing energy.

Front

What is a gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an excited nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays without changing its number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is electron capture?

Back

Electron capture is a process in which an electron is captured by the nucleus of an atom, leading to a decrease in the atomic number and the transformation of the element.

Front

What are radioactive isotopes?

Back

Radioactive isotopes are variants of chemical elements that have unstable nuclei and emit radiation as they decay into more stable forms.

Front

What is half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form.