Nuclear Chemistry: Balancing

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a new element with a lower atomic number.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, transforming a neutron into a proton or vice versa.

Front

What is gamma emission?

Back

The release of gamma rays from a radioactive nucleus, which occurs after other types of decay to release excess energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is a nuclear reaction?

Back

A process in which two nuclei or nuclear particles collide, resulting in the transformation of the nuclei and the release of energy.

Front

What is a neutron?

Back

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Front

What is a proton?

Back

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, contributing to the atomic number and mass.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

A particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus, emitted during alpha decay.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

A high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during beta decay.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

Ensure that the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers are equal on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the significance of the conservation of mass in nuclear reactions?

Back

In nuclear reactions, the total mass-energy is conserved, meaning the mass before the reaction equals the mass after the reaction, accounting for energy release.