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 are some examples of background radiation?
The sun, soil, rocks, plants, etc.
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 is an activity that could increase your levels of radiation?
1. flying for an extended amount of time
2. smoking
3. medical x-rays
4. being in outer space
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 units do we use to measure radiation?
REM or mrem
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 is used in radiocarbon dating?
Carbon-14
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
Where does radon gas come from?
Radon is naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. It is produced from the decay of Uranium underground. It can seep into your home through foundation cracks.