ATomic Basics
This term describes an isotope with an unstable nucleus that will eventually undergo radioactive decay.
Radioisotope
This type of radiation consists of two protons and two neutrons, effectively acting as a helium nucleus.
Alpha radiation
When balancing nuclear equations, the sum of these top numbers must be equal on both the reactant and product sides.
Mass numbers
This nuclear process involves splitting a very heavy nucleus, like Uranium-235, into smaller, more stable fragments.
Fission
This term is defined as the time required for half of the atoms in a radioactive sample to decay.
Half-life
While chemical reactions rearrange atoms, these specific reactions involve changes to an atom's nucleus
Nuclear reactions
This particle is emitted from the nucleus during decay and is represented by the symbol e-1
Beta particle
If U-238 undergoes alpha decay, it produces a helium atom and this specific daughter isotope.
Thorium-234
This process involves slamming light nuclei together, such as isotopes of hydrogen, to create a larger nucleus.
Fusion
If you start with 64g of a radioactive substance, this mass will remain after exactly one half-life
32g
In an isotope symbol like U-238, the number 238 represents this specific total of protons and neutrons.
Mass number
Because they have no mass and no charge, these high-energy waves are often emitted alongside other particles.
Gamma rays
In the reaction I-131 -> Xe-131 + , what is the identity of the missing particle?
Beta particle
When two hydrogen nuclei collide, it is this type of reaction
Fusion
Iodine-123 has a half-life of 13 hours. This is the total number of half-lives that pass in a 26-hour period
Two
This is the atomic number for Uranium
92
This type of radiation is high-energy enough that it typically requires lead or concrete to be fully stopped.
Gamma radiation
To balance a reaction where U-238 becomes Th-234, this many alpha particles must be released
One
In a fission reaction, these neutral subatomic particles are often released and can go on to strike other nuclei.
Neutrons
If a 64g sample of I-123 (half-life 13 hrs) decays for 26 hours, this is the final mass remaining.
16g
True or False: In a balanced nuclear reaction, the number of each specific element must be the same on both sides.
False
When this particle is emitted, the mass number of the isotope stays the same, but the atomic number increases by one
Beta particle
If an isotope emits only gamma radiation, this is the total change that occurs to its mass number
Zero
he isotopes Barium-139 and Krypton-94 are common products when this heavy fuel isotope undergoes fission.
Uranium-235
After three half-lives have passed, this is the fraction of the original radioactive material that remains.
1/8 (or 12.5%)