Nuclear Reactions Flashcards
What is meant by the term isotope?
An atom with the same number of protons and electrons but a different number of neutrons.
What is nuclear decay?
When a large, unstable atom releases an alpha, beta or gamma particle.
What is nuclear fission?
When a large nucleus splits into 2 smaller nuclei and releases energy in the process.
What are the 2 types of nuclear fission?
Spontaneous and induced.
What is nuclear fusion?
When 2 small nuclei fuse to create one larger nucleus and release energy in the process.
Where does the energy released in nuclear reactions come from?
The decrease in mass of the reaction products.
What main issue comes from nuclear fusion?
The temperatures needed for it to happen are extremely high and this makes containing the plasma from it very difficult.
