Flashcard --- Nuclear Decay

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What type of nuclear radiation is the least penetrating?

Back

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating type of nuclear radiation and can be stopped by a sheet of paper.

Front

What are control rods used for in a nuclear reactor?

Back

Control rods are used to slow down the rate of nuclear reactions in a reactor.

Front

What element is produced in a typical nuclear decay reaction involving uranium?

Back

Xenon (Xe) is often produced in nuclear decay reactions involving uranium.

Front

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fission involves splitting a heavy nucleus, while nuclear fusion involves combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear decay.

Front

What is the role of a coolant in a nuclear reactor?

Back

A coolant is used to remove heat from the reactor core and transfer it to a turbine to generate electricity.

Front

What is the definition of radioactive decay?

Back

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons and is emitted during alpha decay.

Front

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

Back

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.