Nuclear Reactions, Decay, and Half-Life

Front

What is nuclear fission?

Back

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Front

Define half-life in the context of radioactive decay.

Back

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

Front

What type of nuclear reaction occurs in nuclear power plants?

Back

Nuclear fission occurs in nuclear power plants.

Front

What type of nuclear reaction occurs in the Sun?

Back

Nuclear fusion occurs in the Sun.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays.

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.

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.

Front

What is a daughter nucleus?

Back

A daughter nucleus is the product of the decay of a parent nucleus in a radioactive decay process.

Front

What is the significance of the decay constant?

Back

The decay constant is a probability rate at which a particular radioactive isotope will decay, related to its half-life.