Front

What is Nuclear Chemistry?

Back

Nuclear Chemistry is the study of the chemical and physical properties of elements as influenced by changes in the structure of the nucleus. It includes the study of radioactivity, nuclear processes, and properties of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is a half-life?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. It is a measure of the stability of a radioactive isotope.

Front

How do you calculate the remaining mass of a radioactive substance after a certain time?

Back

To calculate the remaining mass, use the formula: Remaining Mass = Initial Mass * (1/2)^(time elapsed / half-life).

Front

What is the mass number of an isotope?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the strong nuclear force?

Back

The strong nuclear force is the force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between protons.

Front

What are the types of radioactive decay?

Back

The main types of radioactive decay are alpha decay, beta decay, positron emission, and gamma decay.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron is transformed into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle.

Front

What is gamma decay?

Back

Gamma decay is the release of gamma radiation from a nucleus, which occurs when an excited nucleus transitions to a lower energy state without changing its number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form.