Nuclear Reactions

Question 1

Nuclear Reactions

Answer 1

A nuclear reaction is a type of reaction that involves converting an atom of an element into a different element.

Question 2

Nuclear Decay

Answer 2

Nuclear decay is when the nucleus of an atom releases either energy of particles.

Question 3

Radioisotope

Answer 3

A radioisotope is an isotope that undergoes nuclear decay, and is thus radioactive.

Question 4

Alpha Decay (α)

Answer 4

Alpha decay is where an atom emits an alpha particle (cluster of 2 protons and 2 neutrons).
- heavy and slow
-mass number decreases by 4

Question 5

Beta Decay (β)

Answer 5

Beta decay is where an atom ejects a beta particle (electron).
- Light and fast
- turns a neutron into a proton
- mass number stays the same

Question 6

Gamma Decay (γ)

Answer 6

Atom does not eject a particle, but ejects a very high form of light called a gamma ray.
-very dangerous
- more powerful than x-rays

Question 7

Half-Life

Answer 7

The rate that a radioisotope undergoes nuclear decay, that is the time taken for half of the radioactive atoms to decay.

Question 8

Radiation Burns

Answer 8

Beta particles and Gamma rays have the ability to penetrate our bodies and damage our cells, causing diseases such as cancer.

Question 9

Medical applications

Answer 9

Doctors use radiation to kill cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells, causing side effects like hair loss and nausea.