Radiation
What is emitted during alpha decay?
2 protons and 2 neutrons
What is nuclear fusion?
Combining small nuclei to form a larger nucleus
Which reaction produces radioactive waste?
Fission
What is a half-life?
Time for half of a radioactive substance to decay
What is the charge of a beta particle?
-1
What particle is released during beta decay?
Electron
What type of nuclear reaction occurs in stars?
Fusion
What safety concern is associated with nuclear fission?
Radioactive waste disposal
What is radioactivity?
Emission of radiation from unstable nuclei
Why are some isotopes radioactive?
They have balanced protons and neutrons
Which radiation type has the greatest penetration?
Gamma
What happens to the mass during a nuclear reaction?
Mass is converted to energy
What is nuclear fission commonly used for?
Producing electrical energy in power plants
What is an isotope?
An atom with the same number of protons but different neutrons
Which form of decay involves a neutron changing into a proton?
Beta decay
Which form of radiation is stopped by paper?
Alpha
Which nuclear process powers the sun?
Fusion
What is released in a nuclear fission chain reaction?
Energy and more neutrons
What is a gamma ray?
A form of electromagnetic radiation
What is required for nuclear fusion to occur?
High temperatures and pressure
What element forms when uranium-238 emits an alpha particle?
Thorium-234
How are new elements created in nuclear reactions?
Through fusion reactions
What happens during nuclear fission?
One large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei
What is transmutation?
One element changing into another
Which isotope is commonly used in dating ancient fossils?
Carbon-14