Chemistry ch 12 Nuclear Chemistry Vocab

Which term describes an unstable form of an element that undergoes radioactive decay?

• Fusion

• Tracer

• Transmutation

• Radioisotope

What process changes the nucleus of one atom into the nucleus of a different element?

• Fission

• Half-life

• Gamma ray

• Transmutation

Which description best matches an alpha particle?

• Two protons and two neutrons

• A powerful photon of energy

• A stable neutral atom

• A high-speed electron

A beta particle is most accurately described as which of the following?

• High-energy photon from decay

• Neutron emitted during fission

• Helium nucleus with charge

• High-speed electron from nucleus

Which option correctly identifies a gamma ray?

• Fast electron ejected in decay

• Two protons plus two neutrons

• High-energy radiation like X-rays

• Neutral atom formed by fusion

Fission is best defined as which nuclear process?

• Splitting a heavy nucleus

• Joining light nuclei

• Measuring decay rate

• Changing one element

Fusion primarily involves which action?

• Emitting gamma rays

• Ejecting electrons

• Splitting heavy nuclei

• Joining light nuclei

Half-life refers to which measurable quantity?

• Time for half the atoms to decay

• Energy released per decay event

• Mass lost during transmutation

• Number of particles in a nucleus

Which term describes a radioactive substance used to follow the path of a chemical process in a living system or machine?

• Radioisotope

• Gamma ray

• Tracer

• Fusion

Which factor primarily determines whether a nucleus is stable or radioactive?

• Total number of electrons in atoms

• Ratio of neutrons to protons

• Amount of energy in bonds

• Presence of outer shell valence