Nuclear Chemistry Introduction

Open Ended

Think about yesterday’s lesson. What is something you remember?

Open Ended

Describe a situation where knowledge of nuclear chemistry could help keep people safe.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to understand radioactivity in today's world?

• Because it helps us understand the dangers and benefits of nuclear energy

• Because it is only used in nuclear weapons

• Because it is not relevant to our daily lives

• Because it is a topic only for scientists

Open Ended

Explain why areas around Chernobyl and Fukushima are still dangerous, even though the reactors are no longer running.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are reasons why radioactive materials remain dangerous in the environment for a long time?

• They have long half-lives

• They emit radiation for decades

• They can stay in soil and food

• They are easily removed by rain

Multiple Choice

Which subatomic particle is responsible for defining the element and repelling each other due to their charge?

• Proton

• Neutron

• Electron

• Photon

Multiple Choice

If a nucleus has too many or too few neutrons, what happens to its stability?

• It becomes unstable

• It becomes more stable

• It gains energy

• It loses all protons

Open Ended

Explain how neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast alpha, beta, and gamma decay in terms of changes to atomic number, mass number, and particle emission.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about gamma decay is correct?

• No particle is lost, only energy is emitted

• Atomic number decreases by 2

• A neutron turns into a proton

• Mass number decreases by 4

Multiple Select

Which of the following are emitted during radioactive decay to help a nucleus become more stable?

• Alpha particles

• Beta particles

• Gamma energy

• Neutrons

Multiple Choice

What happens to an atom after it undergoes alpha or beta decay?

• It becomes a different element.

• It disappears completely.

• It becomes a stable isotope of the same element.

• It splits into three smaller atoms.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes a stable nucleus?

• No decay; nucleus balanced

• Nucleus unbalanced; will decay

• Releases 2 protons and 2 neutrons

• May undergo beta decay; unstable

Open Ended

Explain how the stability of a nucleus is affected by having too many or too few neutrons.

Open Ended

How is matter conserved?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is considered an 'off-limits' or unsafe area due to potential dangers?

• A public park

• A nuclear accident zone

• A shopping mall

• A school playground

Open Ended

What is one question you still have about nuclear chemistry or radioactivity after today's lesson?