nuclear Flashcards
what is in the nucleus
positive protons and neutral neutrons
radioactive
property of unstable atoms that spontaneously emit nuclear radiation
what forces hold nuclei together
electromagnetic and strong
what distance is the strong force acting over
very short
what internal force pushes it apart
electromagnetic
unstable
likely to change; forces unbalanced
too many neutrons
atom will become unstable and decay
too few neutrons
atom will become unstable and decay
alpha particle
2 protons and 2 neutrons bounded together, created by fusion reaction
alpha radiation
normal safety concern more dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or enter a wound
beta minus particle
ratio of neutrons and protons is too high; during radioactive decay of unstable atom; can cause radiation damage on skin
beta plus particle
too many neutrons; form during some radioactive decay
gamma ray
gamma ray is released; radioactive atomic nuclei and decay of subatomic particles; most harmful external hazard
fission
1 large atom splits into 2 smaller atoms and releases a lot of energy
fusion
2 small atoms become 1 larger atom and releases energy
more energy, fission or fusion?
fusion
what nuclear reaction using hydrogen or other small nuclei
nuclear fusion
what reaction is used in our current nuclear power plants
fission
why is fusion a better energy source
does not create any long lived radioactive nuclear waste
