Energy Transformation in Chemical and Nuclear Reactions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy transformation in chemical and nuclear reactions, including definitions and principles of decay processes, fission, and fusion.

Energy is transformed in __ reactions.

chemical

Energy is transformed in __ reactions.

nuclear

Energy is transformed when __ energy interacts with matter.

light

Nuclear decay is the change to an atom due to the emission of __ or radiation.

particles

Isotopes are two or more forms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of __.

neutrons

To become more stable, radioactive isotopes get rid of their extra energy by emitting __ from their nuclei.

particles

Nuclear fission is a process in which a __ nucleus is split into smaller, lighter nuclei with the release of energy.

heavier

During alpha decay, the resulting nucleus has fewer protons and fewer neutrons.

two; two

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus decays into a and a .

proton; electron

After alpha or beta decay, a nucleus gives off a high energy photon called a __ ray.

gamma

A chain reaction is a process in which one reaction leads to a series of __ reactions.

further

CANDU reactors use __ to transfer energy from the reactor to produce steam.

heavy water

The amount of energy released in a fusion reaction is about __ times less than that of fission.

ten

In nuclear fusion, two very small nuclei combine to form a __ nucleus.

slightly larger

Isotopes that are unstable are called __ isotopes.

radioactive