Nuclear Reactions Flashcards
Binding energy is the
Amount of energy required to break up a nucleus into protons and neutrons
How is the binding energy converted into mass?
Via the equation E = mc^2
Mass defect is the
Difference between combined mass of protons and neutrons and the overall mass of the nucleus in general
What are the two types of Nuclear Reactions?
- Fission
- Fusion
The atomic # is the number of
Protons
The mass # is the
Number of protons and neutrons
What happens when a nucleus is unstable?
It may spontaneously emit particles of electromagnetic radiation / radioactivity
Nuclei change composition during
Nuclear transmutation
Nuclear transmutation involves the
Bombardment of the nucleus via electrons, neutrons, or other nuclei
What happens to elements / isotopes in nuclear reactions?
They change from one to another
What happens to energy in nuclear reactions?
Large amounts of energy is released or absorbed
The rate of nuclear reactions is not affected by
- Catalysts
- Temperature
- Pressure
What happens to atoms in chemical reactions?
They are rearranged due to formation/breaking of chemical bonds
How much energy is released / absorbed in chemical reactions?
Small amounts
The rate is affected by what in chemical reactions?
- Catalysts
- Temperature
- Pressure
What are involved in the formation and breaking of bonds in chemical reactions?
Electrons
What kind of nuclei are stable?
Intermediate-sized
What is c^2 in E = mc^2?
c^2 = 932
Nuclear reactions involve the
Combining or splitting of nuclei of atoms
Fusion is the Nuclear Reaction in which
Small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
Fusion reactions only take place at
High temperatures and pressures
Fission is the Nuclear Reaction in which
A large, heavy atom splits to form smaller, more stable nuclei
Radioactive Decay is the
Naturally occurring, spontaneous decay of certain nuclei accompanied by emission of specific particles
Alpha decay relates to the emission of an
Alpha particle
What is an alpha particle?
4 He
2
What does the emission of Alpha Decay result in?
Z' = -2 A' = -4
Beta Decay is the emission of a
Beta-Particle, which can either be electrons or positrons
What happens in B- Decay?
Neutron is consumed, with a proton taking place
What is the B- decay reaction?
A X -> AY
Z Z+1
What happens in B+ Decay?
Proton is consumed and a neutron takes place
What is the B+ decay reaction?
A X -> AY
Z Z-1
Gamma Decay is the
Emission of Gamma-particles
Gamma Decay is a way for the nucleus to
Shed excess energy
What is the equation of exponential decay?
- wavelength • N = ∆N / ∆t
What is N in the equation of exponential decay?
N = the number of radioactive nuclei not decayed
