Nuclear Equations Flashcard

Front

What makes radioactive materials unstable?

Back

Radioactive materials have unstable nuclei.

Front

What type of nuclear reaction involves atoms combining to form a heavier nucleus?

Back

Fusion.

Front

How is the half-life of a radioactive isotope defined?

Back

The half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Front

Estimate the half-life of an unknown isotope if its radioactivity changes according to a graph.

Back

6 hours.

Front

How long until the amount of radioactive material falls under 51 pounds?

Back

168.5 minutes.

Front

What happens to the atomic number during beta decay?

Back

The atomic number increases by 1.

Front

Define nuclear fission.

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

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

Back

Half-life helps determine the stability and longevity of a radioactive isotope.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.