Atomic Nucleus Basics
What two particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?
Protons and neutrons
What particle is emitted during alpha decay?
A helium nucleus
What process powers the sun?
Nuclear fusion
What tool is used to graph radioactive decay?
Decay curve
What is nuclear medicine used for?
Diagnosing and treating diseases using radioactive isotopes
What is the charge of a neutron?
Neutral (no charge)
Which type of radiation is a high-speed electron?
Beta particle
What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
A series of fissions triggered by released neutrons
After 3 half-lives, what fraction of a radioactive substance remains?
1/8
What is a common isotope used in smoke detectors?
Americium-241
What is the strong nuclear force responsible for?
Holding protons and neutrons together in the nucleus
Which type of radiation has no mass or charge?
Gamma ray
In nuclear fission, what is usually used as fuel in reactors?
Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239
How is the age of a fossil determined using carbon-14?
By measuring the remaining carbon-14 and calculating using its half-life
What are two types of nuclear waste?
Low-level and high-level waste
Which particle has a mass similar to a proton but no charge?
Neutron
What is required to stop gamma radiation?
Thick lead or several feet of concrete
What is transmutation?
The conversion of one element into another during a nuclear reaction
If a sample starts with 80g and ends with 10g, how many half-lives have passed?
3 half-lives
Why is shielding important in nuclear reactors?
To protect from harmful radiation exposure
What subatomic particle defines the atomic number?
Proton
Rank alpha, beta, and gamma radiation from least to most penetrating.
Alpha < Beta < Gamma
What is the difference between a chemical reaction and a nuclear reaction?
Chemical reactions involve electrons; nuclear reactions involve the nucleus
Why is uranium-238 used for dating rocks and not carbon-14?
It has a much longer half-life suitable for older materials
What is the main concern with nuclear accidents?
Release of radioactive materials into the environment