Nuclear Reactions and Nucleosynthesis

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminologies related to nuclear reactions, types of decay, and subatomic particles.

What is a nuclear reaction?

Processes in which a nucleus combines with another nucleus (fusion) or splits into smaller nuclei (fission).

What is radioactivity?

The emission of energetic particles from an atom's nucleus.

What are the components of a particle's representation in a nuclear reaction?

A particle's atomic mass (A) as a superscript and atomic number (Z) as a subscript.

How is mass number calculated?

Mass number (A) is the sum of the number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N).

What is the chemical symbol for Nobelium?

No.

What is the atomic number of Nobelium?

102.

What type of particles are involved in nuclear reactions?

Elements, electrons, protons, and neutrons.

What happens during alpha decay?

An unstable nucleus changes to another element by emitting an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons).

What is beta decay?

A process where an atom emits beta particles due to having too many protons or neutrons.

What is positron emission?

The conversion of a proton in a nucleus into a neutron, releasing a positron.

What occurs during electron capture?

An electron is drawn into an atom’s nucleus.

What is gamma radiation?

The emission of energy as gamma rays from a nucleus transitioning to a more stable state.

What symbol represents an alpha particle?

He or 4 2α.

What is the representation of a beta particle?

₁e or 0 -1β.

What particle does a neutron represent?

1 0n.

What is the process of bombardment of alpha particles?

The addition of an alpha particle to another nucleus.

Write the reaction for alpha decay of polonium-210.

210 84Po → 206 82Pb + 4 2α.

Write the reaction example for beta decay of carbon-14.

14 6C → 14 7N + 0 -1β.

Describe the effect of gamma radiation in nuclear reactions.

A nucleus may move to a more stable state, emitting gamma radiation.

What occurs in the reaction between beryllium and an alpha particle?

9 4Be + 4 2α → 12 6C + 1 0n.

What are other subatomic particles involved in nuclear reactions?

Protons (1 1p) and neutrons (1 0n).