Chemistry- Unit 0

What is a subatomic particle?

A particle found inside the atom.

What is the nucleus of an atom?

A small, dense area in the center of the atom where protons and neutrons are found.

What does amu stand for?

Atomic mass unit, which is exactly 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

What is an isotope?

A variety of an atom that contains a different number of neutrons compared to others, but still has the same number of protons.

What charge does a proton have?

+1 charge (p+), located in the nucleus.

What is the mass of a neutron?

Approximately 1 amu (1.0087 amu), also located in the nucleus.

What is the charge and mass of an electron?

-1 charge (e-), with a negligible mass of about 0.000 549 amu, located in orbitals around the nucleus.

What is fusion in nuclear physics?

A nuclear reaction involving two nuclei with low masses combining to form one nucleus of larger mass, which occurs at extremely high temperatures.

What is the atomic number?

The number of protons in an atom, which identifies the element.

What is the mass number?

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

What happens to an atom during alpha decay?

It turns into a new element with an atomic number decreased by 2 and a mass number decreased by 4.

What happens to an atom during beta decay?

A neutron decays into a proton, resulting in the addition of a proton and the atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

What is an atomic symbol?

A capital letter (or 1 capital, 1 lowercase) that symbolizes an element.

What is isotopic notation?

Way of writing the symbol to include the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

What is an atomic number?

The number of protons in an atom, which identifies the element.

What is a mass number?

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

What occurs during nuclear fusion?

Two low mass nuclei combine to form one nucleus of larger mass, releasing energy.

What is the significance of the charge of an atom?

It results from a gain or loss of electrons; positive charge from loss, negative from gain.

How can alpha particles affect biological systems?

They can cause irreversible damage if ingested or inhaled, affecting DNA and proteins.

What are beta particles?

Radioactive particles resulting from a neutron decaying into a proton and emitting an electron.

What type of decay results in a new element?

Alpha decay, where the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

How can beta particles be blocked?

They can be blocked by a sheet of aluminum foil.

What is gamma radiation?

A form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus that does not consist of particles, often resulting from nuclear decay.

What is transmutation?

The process of changing one element into another through nuclear reactions, such as alpha or beta decay.

What is a radioactive half-life?

The time required for half of the atoms in a radioactive sample to decay into a more stable form.

What are alpha decay particles composed of?

Alpha particles consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus.

What is the primary product of fusion reactions in stars?

Helium is produced as hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse together in stars during fusion reactions.

What is the relationship between nuclear fusion and energy production?

Nuclear fusion releases a tremendous amount of energy, which powers stars and is sought for potential energy solutions on Earth.

What occurs during a fission reaction?

A heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy and several neutrons, potentially leading to a chain reaction.

What is a neutron’s role in the atomic nucleus?

Neutrons contribute to the stability of the atomic nucleus, preventing the repulsion of protons due to their positive charges.

How are isotopes of an element identified?

Isotopes are identified by their mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in their nucleus.

What impact do high-energy radiation particles have on matter?

High-energy particles, like alpha and beta particles, can ionize atoms, potentially causing damage to biological tissues or materials they pass through.