Chapter 2: Nuclear Chemistry

Question 1

What is nuclear fusion?

Answer 1

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Question 2

What is nuclear fission?

Answer 2

Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy.

Question 3

True or False: Fusion reactions occur in the sun.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The primary fuel for nuclear fission in power plants is _____ .

Answer 4

uranium-235

Question 5

What are radioisotopes?

Answer 5

Radioisotopes are isotopes of elements that are radioactive and decay over time, emitting radiation.

Question 6

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common application of radioisotopes? A) Food preservation B) Medical imaging C) Both A and B

Answer 6

C) Both A and B

Question 7

What is the main product of fusion reactions in stars?

Answer 7

Helium

Question 8

True or False: Fission can occur spontaneously without external influence.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The process of a nucleus emitting an alpha particle is known as _____ .

Answer 9

alpha decay

Question 10

What is the role of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

Answer 10

To slow down neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction.

Question 11

Multiple choice: Which particle is released during beta decay? A) Proton B) Neutron C) Electron

Answer 11

C) Electron

Question 12

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Answer 12

A series of reactions where the products of one reaction initiate subsequent reactions.

Question 13

True or False: Tritium is a stable isotope of hydrogen.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time required for _____ of the substance to decay.

Answer 14

half

Question 15

What type of radiation is most penetrating?

Answer 15

Gamma radiation

Question 16

Multiple choice: What is the primary waste product of nuclear fission? A) Carbon dioxide B) Radioactive isotopes C) Water

Answer 16

B) Radioactive isotopes

Question 17

What is the primary challenge of nuclear fusion for energy production?

Answer 17

Achieving and maintaining the extremely high temperatures and pressures required.

Question 18

True or False: Neutron activation is a method used to produce radioisotopes.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

Fill in the blank: The process of nuclear fusion releases energy due to the _____ of mass.

Answer 19

conversion

Question 20

What is the primary use of cobalt-60 in medicine?

Answer 20

Radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Question 21

Multiple choice: Which type of decay involves the emission of a positron? A) Alpha decay B) Beta decay C) Gamma decay

Answer 21

B) Beta decay

Question 22

What is the significance of the binding energy in nuclear reactions?

Answer 22

It indicates the stability of a nucleus; higher binding energy means a more stable nucleus.

Question 23

True or False: Nuclear fusion generates more energy than nuclear fission.

Answer 23

True

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The isotope used in nuclear reactors for fuel is commonly _____ .

Answer 24

uranium-235

Question 25

Multiple choice: Which element is commonly used in fusion reactions? A) Helium B) Lithium C) Uranium

Answer 25

B) Lithium