Nuclear chemistry

Open Ended

What is an isotope?

Multiple Choice

Why do unstable nuclei decay or emit particles in nuclear chemistry?

• Because they are too small to remain stable

• Because they are so large that they become unstable

• Because they have too many electrons

• Because they are exposed to high temperatures

Open Ended

Explain how unstable nuclei lead to the formation of new elements and radioactive particles. Use the example of Uranium-238 decay to support your answer.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following particles are emitted during radioactive decay?

• Alpha particle

• Beta particle

• Gamma radiation

• All of the above

Fill in the Blanks

We call this breaking apart of the nuclei:

decay.

Multiple Select

Select all statements that correctly describe nuclear fusion as shown in the diagram. (3)

• Fusion combines light nuclei into heavier ones.

• Fusion releases a large amount of energy.

• Fusion is an artificial process only.

• Fusion occurs naturally in the sun.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes nuclear fission as shown in the diagram?

• A neutron hits a large nucleus, causing it to split into smaller nuclei and release energy.

• A nucleus absorbs energy and combines with another nucleus to form a larger nucleus.

• A nucleus loses protons and neutrons spontaneously without external influence.

• A nucleus emits only radiation without splitting.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are types of natural transmutation described in the slide? (3)

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay

• Positron emission

• Neutron capture

Open Ended

Compare and contrast natural and artificial transmutation using the information from the slides.

Fill in the Blanks

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay is called the

.

Multiple Choice

According to Table N, which isotope has the shortest half-life?

• Francium-220

• Radon-222

• Gold-198

• Iodine-131

Open Ended

Explain how you would calculate the remaining mass of a radioactive sample after several half-lives, using the example provided in the slides.

Open Ended

How many grams of an 18g sample of I-131 would remain after 10 days?

Multiple Choice

Which radioisotope is used for dating biological remains?

• Carbon-14

• I-131

• Co-60

• Tc-99

Open Ended

Explain why the half-life of a radioisotope is important in determining its use in medical or scientific applications. Use examples from the slides to support your answer.