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 nucleus into a different element or isotope.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is fission?

Back

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 and radiation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is fusion?

Back

Fusion is the process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy, as occurs in stars.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What type of reaction produces harmful radioactive waste?

Back

Fission produces harmful radioactive waste.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

Which process occurs naturally in the center of stars like the Sun?

Back

Fusion occurs naturally in the center of stars like the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Front

What is gamma radiation?

Back

Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that has the highest penetrating power among all types of radiation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is alpha radiation?

Back

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) emitted from a radioactive source, and it has low penetrating power.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is beta radiation?

Back

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted from a radioactive nucleus during decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Front

What is a chain reaction?

Back

A chain reaction is a series of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to occur, commonly seen in nuclear fission.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8