Nuclear Decay and Transmutation Concepts

The lecture covers the small and large atom rules, explaining that elements with more than 83 protons are unstable. It discusses the decay process, where unstable nuclei decay to form stable isotopes, and introduces transmutation, where elements change into different elements. The lecture differentiates between natural and artificial transmutation, providing examples of radioactive decay and nuclear bombardment. It concludes with a brief mention of fission and fusion.

Which element is the largest with at least one stable isotope?

• Thorium

• Uranium

• Technetium

• Bismuth

What happens to an unstable nucleus during decay?

• It forms a more stable substance.

• It disintegrates completely.

• It becomes a stable isotope immediately.

• It remains unchanged.

What is the process called when an element changes into a different element?

• Mutation

• Transmutation

• Fission

• Fusion

How can protons be converted into neutrons?

• By gaining electrons

• By losing a specific particle

• By gaining a neutron

• By splitting the atom

What is a synonym for natural transmutation?

• Decay

• Fusion

• Fission

• Bombardment

In a decay process, what does the arrow in the equation represent?

• An equal sign

• A division sign

• A multiplication sign

• A subtraction sign

What is required for artificial transmutation to occur?

• A low-energy particle

• A stable nucleus

• A high-energy particle

• A chemical reaction

Which process involves splitting the atom?

• Decay

• Fission

• Transmutation

• Fusion

What is the result of bombarding a stable isotope?

• It disintegrates

• It remains unchanged

• It becomes unstable

• It becomes more stable

Which of the following is a type of artificial transmutation?

• Nuclear bombardment

• Gamma decay

• Alpha decay

• Beta decay