Nuclear Reactions

Question 1

Half-life of first order reactions

Answer 1

t_1/2 = ln(2)/k

ln(2) = 0.693

Question 2

A smaller change in mass correlates to a smaller/larger nuclear binding energy

Answer 2

Smaller

Question 3

Which one has a smaller nuclear binding energy:

F: calculated mass = 19.00 amu, actual mass = 18.99 amu
Ne: calculated mass = 20.18 amu, actual mass = 20.19 amu

Answer 3

Calculating change in mass: calculated mass - actual mass = change in mass

For Ne, the change in mass is negative but, it is not possible to have a negative nuclear binding energy- actual mass must always be less than calculated mass

Correct answer: F

Question 4

Nuclear decay

Answer 4

Splitting an unstable nucleus and emitting a radioactive particle –> occurs when a very heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei of almost equal mass, releasing neutrons in the process
This process decreases the energy of the original element

Question 5

Nuclear fusion

Answer 5

Adding elements together –> occurs when two or more lighter nuclei fuse into one larger nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy (only occurs at extremely high temperatures
This process increases their energy

Question 6

what order reaction are all decay processes?

Answer 6

first order