Nuclear Chemistry Review

Flashcards covering key concepts, processes, and definitions from the Nuclear Chemistry Review lecture notes, including nuclear power, radiation types, half-life, fission, and fusion.

How does a nuclear reactor generate electricity?

A fission reaction heats water, producing steam that turns a turbine to create energy.

What is the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

To absorb excess neutrons and regulate the chain reaction.

What is the function of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

To slow down fast neutrons to increase the probability of fission.

Define critical mass.

The minimum amount or size of fissile material needed to initiate or sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

What is transmutation in nuclear chemistry?

The process of changing one element into another through nuclear reaction or radioactive decay.

Describe a nuclear chain reaction.

A self-sustaining series of nuclear fissions where neutrons released from one fission cause further fissions.

What is the definition of half-life for a radioactive isotope?

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

What is nuclear fusion?

The process of combining lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier, more stable nucleus, releasing energy.

What is nuclear fission?

The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing energy.

What is radioactive decay?

The spontaneous process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

After three half-lives, what fraction of an original radioactive sample has decayed?

7/8 (or 87.5%).

After four half-lives, what fraction of an original radioactive sample remains undecayed?

1/16.

In the notation Cr-52, what does the number 52 represent?

The mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).

In the isotope annotation ^{35}_{17}Cl, what does the number 17 represent?

The atomic number (number of protons).

What is the symbol, charge, and typical shielding for an alpha particle?

Symbol: α or ^{4}_{2}He, Charge: +2, Shielding: Paper.

What is the symbol, charge, and typical shielding for a beta particle?

Symbol: β or ^{0}_{-1}e, Charge: -1, Shielding: Plastic.

What is the symbol, charge, and typical shielding for a positron?

Symbol: β+ or ^{0}_{+1}e, Charge: +1, Shielding: Plastic.

What is the symbol, charge, and typical shielding for a gamma ray?

Symbol: γ, Charge: 0, Shielding: Lead.

Is the energy generation in nuclear power plants an example of fission or fusion?

Fission.

Is the energy production in the sun an example of fission or fusion?

Fusion.