Transuranium Elements and Beta Decay

The video explains nuclear transformation, focusing on transuranium elements with atomic numbers over 92. These elements are unstable and do not occur naturally, but can be created in labs by bombarding existing elements. The process involves nuclear reactions and decay, such as beta decay, to form new elements like neptunium and plutonium. The video also discusses the naming of these elements, often after scientists or places of discovery.

What is a characteristic of transuranium elements?

• They are unstable and tend to decay.

• They are naturally occurring in large quantities.

• They have atomic numbers less than 92.

• They are stable and do not decay.

How are transuranium elements typically created in the lab?

• By cooling elements to absolute zero.

• By smashing existing elements together at high speeds.

• By mixing elements with water.

• By exposing elements to sunlight.

What is the result of adding a neutron to uranium-238?

• It becomes stable and does not decay.

• It turns into uranium-239, which is unstable.

• It becomes a new element with a lower atomic number.

• It remains unchanged.

What happens during beta decay?

• A proton turns into a neutron.

• An electron is absorbed by the nucleus.

• A neutron turns into a proton and a beta particle is emitted.

• The atomic number decreases by one.

Which element is formed when uranium-239 undergoes beta decay?

• Californium

• Hassium

• Neptunium

• Plutonium

What is a common method to create elements like plutonium and americium?

• By adding neutrons and allowing decay reactions.

• By dissolving elements in acid.

• By exposing elements to magnetic fields.

• By heating elements to high temperatures.

What is the significance of the names of transuranium elements?

• They are named after the color of the element.

• They are named after the scientists or places associated with their discovery.

• They are named after the first letter of the element.

• They are named based on their atomic weight.

Which of the following is NOT a transuranium element?

• Lead

• Neptunium

• Plutonium

• Hassium

What is required to balance a nuclear equation?

• Equal number of molecules on both sides.

• Equal number of electrons on both sides.

• Equal number of protons and neutrons on both sides.

• Equal number of atoms on both sides.

Why are transuranium elements not found naturally?

• They are too small to be detected.

• They are unstable and decay into other elements.

• They are only found in outer space.

• They are too rare to exist.