changes to an atom's nucleus, involving immense energy and particles
Nuclear chemistry
What particles make up the nucleus of an atom?
protons and neutrons
What is the process of splitting an atom's nucleus called?
Fission
The builders of the first atomic bombs were worried that what would happen?
The atmosphere would ignite
alpha particles, beta particles, gamma radiation
Three types of radioactive decay
What force holds the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus?
The strong nuclear force
What process fuels the sun and involves combining atomic nuclei?
Fusion
What is the most common fuel used in nuclear power reactors?
Uranium
splitting the nucleus of an atom
fission
What nuclear data is tracked to ensure it is balanced or unstable?
The total mass number and atomic number
What substance is most commonly used in cooling towers in nuclear reactors?
water
What was the name of the project that developed the first atomic bombs during WWII
The Manhattan Project
combining the nuclei of two or more atoms
fusion
What is the unstable isotope of carbon? (Hint: used in radioactive dating)
Carbon 14
What is the name of the protective dome over a reactor?
Containment dome
What is the instrument called that detects radiation
Geiger counter
The scientist that discovered radioactivity
Marie Curie
What is the most dangerous type of radioactive decay?
gamma radiation (or gamma rays)
What is the white smoke coming out of nuclear power plant?
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steam (will accept water)
What is the famous equation that calculates how mass is converted to energy? (Hint: it was developed by Albert Einstien)
e = mc2