Atomic Structure
The particles that determine an atoms mass
Protons and neutrons
A nucleus in this state will undergo radioactive decay
unstable
What is being fired at an unstable nucleus during fission?
Neutron
Charges of each of the following:
Neutron
Proton
Electron
Neutron: neutral/no charge
Proton: Positive
Electron: Negative
The name of an atom with 4 protons and 5 neutrons
Beryllium
This type of radiation emits a helium nucleus
alpha decay
This type of reaction occurs when a heavy atom splits
Fission
Which nuclear process powers the Sun: fission or fusion?
Fusion
When an atom LOSES an electron what charge does it have
Positive
This type of radiation can be stopped by the skin
Alpha radiation
This type of reaction occurs in the sun and other stars
fusion
Where are protons, neutrons, and electrons located in an atom?
Protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
When an atom GAINS and electron the charge is...
Negative
This type of radiation is more penetrating than alpha and beta radiation
Gamma
Why is fission referred to as a chain reaction?
each reactions releases more neutrons which initiates more fission!
What is the term for the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay?
Half life
The charge if an ion with 8 protons and 10 electrons
-2
When carbon-13 undergoes BETA DECAY, what element will the nucleus become?
nitrogen
What element will be produced when 2 helium nuclei undergo fusion?
Beryllium
List 2 uses of half-lives
1. dating ancient materials
2. doctors use it to know how often they need to treat their patients