L2 Atomic and Nuclear

What is the basic unit of an atom?

• neutron

• nucleus

• proton

• electron

Define nuclear reactions and provide an example.

• Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, leading to the formation of different elements or isotopes. An example is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium in the Sun.

• Nuclear reactions only occur in man-made settings and not in nature.

• An example of a nuclear reaction is the combustion of fossil fuels.

• Nuclear reactions involve changes in the electron cloud of an atom, leading to the formation of different elements.

Explain what isotopes are and how they differ from each other.

• Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in varying atomic masses.

• Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons.

• Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons but differ in their atomic number.

• Isotopes are atoms of different elements with varying numbers of protons and neutrons.

What is half-life in the context of nuclear decay?

• Half-life is the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

• Half-life is the time taken for all radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

• Half-life is the time taken for radioactive nuclei to double in quantity.

• Half-life is the time taken for one-fourth of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

Describe the process of nuclear fission and its significance.

• Nuclear fission is only used in nuclear weapons and not in nuclear power plants.

• Nuclear fission is the process where atoms combine to form larger nuclei, releasing minimal energy.

• Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is significant as it is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity and in nuclear weapons for explosive energy.

• Nuclear fission does not involve the splitting of the atom's nucleus.

How does nuclear fusion differ from nuclear fission?

• Nuclear fission combines light nuclei.

• Nuclear fusion releases more energy than nuclear fission.

• Nuclear fusion splits heavy nuclei.

• Nuclear fusion combines light nuclei, while nuclear fission splits heavy nuclei.

What is the role of neutrons in nuclear reactions?

• Neutrons convert protons into electrons in nuclear reactions.

• Neutrons absorb excess energy in nuclear reactions.

• Neutrons are produced as a byproduct of nuclear reactions.

• Neutrons initiate and sustain fission reactions.

How are protons and neutrons arranged in the nucleus of an atom?

• Neutrons are located outside the nucleus

• Loosely arranged with protons repelling each other due to their positive charge

• Protons and neutrons are arranged in a zig-zag pattern within the nucleus

• Tightly packed with protons being positively charged and neutrons being neutral, held together by the strong nuclear force.

What are the potential risks associated with nuclear power plants?

• Economic benefits

• Minimal environmental impact

• Low carbon emissions

• Radioactive waste disposal, accidents leading to radiation leaks, high initial construction costs, and risk of nuclear proliferation.

Explain the concept of radioactive decay and its implications.

• Radioactive decay is a method of generating renewable energy.

• Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, leading to the transformation of the original element. It can release harmful radiation with health risks.

• Radioactive decay is a term used to describe the process of cell division.

• Radioactive decay is a slow cooking process used in food preservation.