Conservation of Charge in Reactions

Mr. Anderson explains the conservation of charge in nuclear reactions, focusing on fission, alpha decay, beta minus decay, and beta plus decay. He illustrates how charge and mass are conserved in these processes, using examples like uranium 235 fission, alpha decay of uranium 238, and beta decay of carbon-14 and magnesium 23. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding charge conservation in nuclear reactions, distinct from chemical reactions where electrons play a key role.

What happens to the charge during the fission of uranium 235 when it is hit by a neutron?

Explain the concept of conservation of mass in the context of nuclear reactions.

What role do electrons play in chemical reactions compared to nuclear reactions?

Describe the process of alpha decay and its significance in nuclear reactions.

What is the difference between beta minus decay and beta plus decay?

How does the charge conservation principle apply when a neutron is converted into a proton?

In the context of nuclear decay, what is produced alongside a positron during beta plus decay?