Nuclear Chemistry

Front

What is an alpha particle?

Back

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Front

What is a beta particle?

Back

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

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and energy, emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive atom.

Front

What does the atomic number represent?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

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.

Front

How do you calculate the mass number of an isotope?

Back

The mass number is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is half-life in nuclear chemistry?

Back

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

Front

What is radioactive decay?

Back

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