Dddd Flashcards
What is nuclear chemistry
That energy can transform from one type to another type but, the total energy remains the same
Chemical energy transformation vs. Nuclear energy transformations
*In chemical energy is stored in bonds of molecules and released or stored when they form/break. When these bonds break/form they rearrange
*In nuclear energy, reactions involve the nucleus of the atom, this nucleus is changed and results in the formation of new elements
What does isotope mean?
Nuclear reaction reaction involve types of atoms called isotopes, their are atoms of elements that have different masses. Isotopes form when an atoms has a different number neutrons
How do you fine the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of a given isotope
Minutes the mass number by the number of protons to get neutrons(Atomic number=number of protons)
What is alpha decay
It is He and is composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons(atomic mass would be 4). Decreasing the atomic mass by 4 and atomic number by 2
What is Beta Decay
It is E and the results of beta decay is it increases the atomic number by 1 and the mass is 0/doesn’t change. This means it has atomic number of -1 and atomic mass of 0.
What is Beta plus decay
It is a B and it has mass of 0 and atomic number of 1. The element than will be decreased by one for atomic number and 0 for atomic mass
What is gamma Daley
It is infinity sign upside down, is has atomic mass of 0 and atomic number of 0. However, this causes instability in an atom which we show with *
What is fission
a nuclear reaction where one large atom slits to form 2 smaller daughter nuclei
What is fusion
During fusion 2 smaller atoms come together to form 1 large atom
Describe one way human use fission reaction
Humans use these reaction to produce electricity in nuclear power plants and for nuclear weapons. In a nuclear power plant the reaction is controlled using neutrons absorbing materials while nuclear weapons try to make the chain reaction happen as quickly as possible.
Explain the concept of a nuclear chain reaction
A process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the process repeats
Explain the concept of a nuclear chain reaction
A process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the process repeats
Explain some of the potential benefits of electrical generation using fusion reactions and explain why we do not currently have any viable fusion power plants
Pros
*No hazardous waste products produced
*Does not require heavy rare, radioactive isotopes like uranium
*No hazardous waste products produced
Cons
*The fuel is rare
*Requires extremely expensive and complex reactor vessels
Capturing and converting the energy is very challenging
*Until now, fusion reactor used more energy than produced
Explain the concept of half life
The amount of time it takes for half of the atoms of a specific isotope in sample to break apart and no longer be the same element
