Vocab
What is an electron emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.
What is a Beta Particle?
particles that are released from the nucleus during decay are called ________.
Nuclear Radiation
Nuclear Decay causes changes in the ____ of an atom.
What is nucleus.
What kinds of nuclear forces holds the nuclei of atoms together?
What is strong nuclear force?
Why do scientists want to duplicate nuclear fusion?
burns cleanly, extreme amount of energy produced
What is the term for the process of an unstable atomic nucleus splits into 1 or more different nuclides to become stable.
Radioactive Decay.
What type of dangerous radiation is emitted at nuclear power plants?
Ionizing radiation
When an atom undergoes nuclear decay it emits gamma rays. What isn't changed in the atom when this happens?
What is the atomic number and atomic mass.
How many "fissionable" substances are commonly used in nuclear reactors?
2 (Uranium, Plutonium)
Describe what Fusion is.
smaller nuclei combine to form a more massive nucleus
What represents an Alpha Particle?
helium
Ernest Rutherford discovered Alpha Rays, and later found that alpha rays were actually particles. Alpha particles are made up of protons and neutrons--the same as what gas element on the Periodic table?
What is Helium.
Which type of radioactive decay can penetrate aluminum?
beta particles
What element is usually used in Nuclear power plant to produce energy?
Uranium (238)
Why is fusion difficult to duplicate on earth?
it needs extreme heat and pressure.
Name the 3 different types of Nuclear Radiation.
What is Alpha Particles, Gamma Rays, Beta Particles.
What type of radiation damage can be passed to offspring?
Genetic damage
What FRACTION of a radioactive isotope is left after TWO half-lives?
1/4
____ is released during nuclear fission.
What is Energy.
What are two consequences of using nuclear energy?
harmful radiation and nuclear radiation
Explain the meaning of Half-Life.
Half-Life is the time taken for the half of the radioactive material to decay.
How much of a 100.0g sample of Au (gold) is left after 8 days if its half-life is 4 days?
25g (8 days total divided by 4 = 2) THEN (do 100 divided by 2 and then divided by two again)
How does the mass number and the atomic number change during beta decay?
Mass stays the same and the atomic number is greater by one.
What is happening to a nucleus during nuclear fission?
large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei by bombardment of high-energy particles
What are benefits of nuclear energy?
nuclear medicine, x-rays, security