Nuclear Decay Practice Problems

Front

What is nuclear decay?

Back

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation of the element into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is 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 an atomic number decreased by 2.

Front

What is beta decay?

Back

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus, resulting in a new element with an atomic number increased or decreased by 1.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, which requires dense materials like lead or concrete for shielding.

Front

What is fission?

Back

Fission is the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy, commonly used in nuclear power plants.

Front

What is fusion?

Back

Fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy, and is the process that powers the sun.

Front

What is the significance of half-life in nuclear decay?

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay, providing a measure of the stability and decay rate of a radioactive isotope.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an atom with an unstable nucleus that undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation and transforming into a different element or isotope.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission involves splitting heavy nuclei into lighter ones, while fusion involves combining light nuclei to form heavier ones; both processes release energy.

Front

What is a decay chain?

Back

A decay chain is a series of radioactive decays that an unstable isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable isotope.