Chapter 7 Nuclear Energy and Society

Question 1

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It plays a key role in determining an element’s identity.

Answer 1

Proton

Question 2

A neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. _________ help stabilize the nucleus and contribute to an atom’s mass.

Answer 2

Neutron

Question 3

A collective term for protons and neutrons, which make up the atomic nucleus.

Answer 3

Nucleons

Question 4

A negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. __________ are responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity.

Answer 4

Electron

Question 5

The lowest energy state of an atom or molecule, where electrons ar most stable configuration.

Answer 5

Ground state

Question 6

A state in which an atom or molecule has absorbed energy, causing one or more electrons to move to higher energy levels.

Answer 6

Excited state

Question 7

The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus, which determines the element.

Answer 7

Atomic number

Question 8

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom’s nucleus.

Answer 8

Mass number

Question 9

Variants of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Answer 9

Isotope

Question 10

An isotope that is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay.

Answer 10

Radioisotope

Question 11

The process by which unstable atomic nuclei release energy and particles.

Answer 11

Radioactivity

Question 12

The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles.

Answer 12

Radiation

Question 13

The transformation of an unstable nucleus into a more stable form by releasing radiation.

Answer 13

Radioactive decay

Question 14

The splitting of a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Answer 14

Nuclear fission

Question 15

A process that changes the composition of an atomic nucleus, such as fission or fusion.

Answer 15

Nuclear reaction

Question 16

The force between charged particles, attracting opposite charges and repelling like charges.

Answer 16

Electrostatic force

Question 17

The force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.

Answer 17

Strong nuclear force

Question 18

A type of radioactive decay where an alpha particle is emitted from a nucleus.

Answer 18

Alpha decay

Question 19

A particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, equivalent to a helium nucleus.

Answer 19

Alpha particle

Question 20

A reactant atom in a nuclear reaction.

Answer 20

Parent atom

Question 21

A different product atom after a radioactive decay process.

Answer 21

Daughter atom

Question 22

The nuclear decay process where daughter atoms are different than parent atoms.

Answer 22

Transmutation

Question 23

A radioactive decay process where a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron.

Answer 23

Beta positive decay (β+)

Question 24

A radioactive decay process where a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron.

Answer 24

Beta negative decay (β-)

Question 25

A high-energy electron or positron emitted during beta decay.

Answer 25

Beta particle

Question 26

A particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.

Answer 26

Positron

Question 27

A high energy particle with no mass.

Answer 27

Photon

Question 28

Radioactive decay where an excited nucleus returns to ground state and emits gamma radiation as a photon. No change to the nucleus.

Answer 28

Gamma decay

Question 29

The time required for the radioactive substance to decay to half of its original mass.

Answer 29

Half-life

Question 30

Einstein's principle (E = mc^2), stating that mass can be converted into energy.

Answer 30

Mass-energy equivalence

Question 31

Mass can transform into energy, and energy into mass. Total mass-energy in a closed system is constant.

Answer 31

Law of conservation of mass-energy

Question 32

A unit of mass used to express atomic and subatomic particle masses. (1.66 x 10-27 kg).

Answer 32

Atomic mass unit (u)

Question 33

The difference between the actual mass of an atom and the sum of its individual nucleons and electrons.

Answer 33

Mass defect

Question 34

The energy needed to hold the nucleus together or separate nucleons in a nucleus.

Answer 34

Binding energy

Question 35

A unit of energy used in nuclear physics, equivalent to one million electron volts.

Answer 35

Mega electron volt (MeV)

Question 36

A self-sustaining nuclear reaction where released neutrons cause additional fission events.

Answer 36

Chain reaction

Question 37

A process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing large amounts of energy.

Answer 37

Nuclear fusion