Vocabulary
Types of Radioactive Decay
Fix the Mistake
100
a change that affects the nucleus of an atom
nuclear reaction
100
alpha decay
100
A stable atom undergoes radioactive decay to become unstable.
An unstable atom undergoes radioactive decay to become stable.
200
a nuclear reaction in which an unstable nucleus gives off energy and, sometimes, particles
radioactive decay
200
gamma decay
200
Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear fusion reactors.
Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear fission reactors.
300
a nuclear reaction in which a large, unstable nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei
nuclear fission
300
beta decay
300
Isotopes of the same element are different from each other because they have different numbers of protons.
Isotopes of the same element are different from each other because they have different numbers of neutrons.
400
the process of whihc nuclei of small atoms combine to form a new, more massive nucleus
nuclear fusion
400
A uranium-235 (U) nucleus undergoes alpha decay. What new isotope is created?
Thorium-231 is created.
400
Nuclear chain reactions in power plants are controlled by using a small amount of fuel.
Nuclear chain reactions in power plants are controlled by control rods which absorb neutrons.
500
atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
isotopes
500
Carbon-14 undergoes beta-minus deacy in which one of its neutrons changes into a proton and it gives off an electron. What new isotope is created?
Nitrogen-14 is created.
500
A challenge we face in performing fusion reactions on Earth is finding fuel.
Fusion reactions can be done using hydrogen which can easily be found in water.