Nuclear Chemistry: Balancing

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 change of one element into another.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

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

Front

What is gamma emission?

Back

Gamma emission is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), resulting in a new element.

Front

What is the general form of a nuclear equation?

Back

A nuclear equation shows the reactants and products of a nuclear reaction, including the atomic numbers and mass numbers of the involved isotopes.

Front

How do you balance a nuclear equation?

Back

To balance a nuclear equation, 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 atomic number in nuclear reactions?

Back

The atomic number determines the identity of an element and must be conserved in nuclear reactions.

Front

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

Back

The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom and must also be conserved in nuclear reactions.

Front

What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.