Nuclear Decay
What symbol do we use for alpha decay?
42He (a helium nucleus)
What is half-life?
The amount of time it takes for half of an isotope to decay
Which type of radiation can penetrate through the most matter?
The US receives 20% of its electricity from what type of nuclear power?
Nuclear fission
What symbol do we use for beta decay?
0-1e (an electron)
What percentage of the isotope remains after 3 half lives?
12.5%
Smoke detectors release what type of radiation?
Alpha particles
What is taking place when we break a large, unstable nucleus into smaller nuclei and particles
Nuclear fission
What type of decay is the happening below?
23290Th → 0-1e + 23291Pa
beta decay
How many half lives would a substance need to go through for 50% of the isotope to remain?
one half life
The mass number remains the same, but the atomic number increases by 1
What is taking place when lighter nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus (under intense heat and pressure)?
Nuclear fusion
What type of decay would complete this equation?
23592U → ___________ + 23190Th
alpha decay
How much of a 10 gram sample is remaining after 2 half lives?
2.5 grams remain
How does alpha decay change the atom?
The mass number decreases by 4 and atomic number decreases by 2
What are at least 2 disadvantages of nuclear power?
1. dangerous to create in lab
2. expensive
3. requires many safety features
4. accidents (Ex: Chernobyl)
What isotope would be needed to start this decay reaction?
___________ → 42He + 23994Pu
24396Cm (isotope of Curium)
How much of a 10 gram sample has decayed after 2 half lives?
7.5 grams have decayed
How does gamma decay change the atom?
The mass and atomic number stay the same, however energy is lowered
What are at least 2 advantages of nuclear power?
1. does not create pollution
2. high in energy
3. reliable energy source