Unit 5 Practice Test: Nuclear Chemistry

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a large atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

What element is primarily involved in nuclear fission?

Back

Uranium-235 is primarily involved in the nuclear fission process.

Front

What is the primary benefit of nuclear energy?

Back

The primary benefit of nuclear energy is low greenhouse gas emissions.

Front

What happens to the core of a protostar to initiate nuclear fusion?

Back

The core of a protostar becomes extremely hot to initiate nuclear fusion.

Front

What is the difference between a nuclear reaction and a chemical reaction?

Back

Nuclear reactions change the nucleus of atoms and can transform elements, while chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons and do not change the nuclei.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in nuclear fission?

Back

Neutrons initiate the fission process by colliding with the nucleus of a fissile atom, causing it to split.

Front

What are the products of nuclear fission?

Back

The products of nuclear fission include smaller nuclei (fission fragments), neutrons, and a large amount of energy.

Front

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Back

A chain reaction occurs when the products of one fission event cause additional fission events, leading to a self-sustaining series of reactions.

Front

What is the significance of the critical mass in nuclear fission?

Back

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.