Nuclear Chemistry

Which of the following particles is released during alpha decay?

A) Electron
B) Proton
C) Helium nucleus
D) Neutron

Beta decay occurs when

A) A neutron is converted to a proton
B) A proton is converted to a neutron
C) A helium nucleus is emitted
D) Both A and B

Write the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Uranium-238.

Uranium-238 decays to Thorium-234 and emits a helium nucleus.

Gamma radiation is

A) A particle with no mass and no charge
B) A proton
C) A neutron
D) A helium nucleus

What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope?

the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay into a more stable form.

If the half-life of Carbon-14 is 5730 years, how much of a 12 g sample remains after 11,460 years?

3 g

Which type of radiation has the greatest power?

A) Alpha
B) Beta
C) Gamma
D) Positron

Define nuclear fission.

a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium or plutonium, splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei

Define nuclear fusion.

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

Iodine-131 has a half-life of 8 days. If you start with 80 g, how much will remain after 24 days

10 g

Which isotope is commonly used in nuclear reactors as fuel?

A) Uranium-238
B) Uranium-235
C) Carbon-14
D) Iodine-131

True or False

In beta-minus decay, an electron is emitted from the nucleus.

Explain why nuclear reactions release far more energy than chemical reactions.

the forces involved and the mass changes that occur are vastly different.

Which of the following is a common product of nuclear fission?

A) Helium-4
B) Krypton-92
C) Oxygen-16
D) Carbon-12

Write the nuclear equation for the beta decay of Carbon-14.

carbon-14 transforms into Nitrogen-14 by emitting a beta particle.

Which of the following is NOT a use of radioactive isotopes?

A) Dating ancient artifacts
B) Treating cancer
C) Fertilizer production
D) Tracing biological processes

What can you use to protect you from an alpha

you can use a piece of paper or some type of clothing

What can you use to protect you from beta

you can use any kind of metal foil, like aluminium

what can you use to protect you from gamma

you can use thick lead or concrete.

what happens during an alpha decay?

the elements mass loses 4 and the protons loses 2.