Chemistry Stuff

Question 1

ionizing radiation

Answer 1

enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ions; capable of causing cancer (gamma, x-rays, UV)

Question 2

high quality energy

Answer 2

organized and concentrated; cam perform useful work (fossil fuels and nuclear)

Question 3

low quality energy

Answer 3

disorganized, dispersed (heat in ocean or air, wind, solar)

Question 4

first law of thermodynamics

Answer 4

energy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another

Question 5

second law of thermodynamics

Answer 5

when energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy, usually heat

Question 6

natural radioactive decay

Answer 6

unstable radioisotopes decay releasing gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles

Question 7

half-life

Answer 7

the time it takes for one half of the mass of a radioisotope to decay

Question 8

estimate of how long a radioactive isotope must be stored until it decays to a safe level

Answer 8

approximately 10 half lives

Question 9

nuclear fission

Answer 9

nuclei of isotopes split apart when struck by neutrons

Question 10

nuclear fusion

Answer 10

two isotopes of light elements (H) forced together at high temperatures till they fuse to form a heavier nucleus (He), process is expensive, break-even point not reached yet