nuclear radiation

the particles that are released from the nucleus during radioactive decay, such as neutrons,
electrons, and photons

alpha decay
the release of an alpha particle from a nucleus

nuclear chain reaction

a continuous series of nuclear fission reactions

beta decay
the release of a negatively or positively charged electron from a nucleus of an atom, which
changes the atomic number

half-life
the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to break down by radioactive
decay to form a daughter isotope

isotope
an atom that has the same number of protons (or the same atomic number) as other atoms of
the same element do but that has a different number of neutrons (and thus a different atomic
mass)

nuclear fusion
the process by which nuclei of small atoms combine to form a new, more massive nucleus; the
process releases energy

radioactive decay
the disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus into one or more different nuclides,
accompanied by the emission of radiation, the nuclear capture or ejection of electrons, or fission

mass number
the sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom

gamma decay
the release of gamma rays from the nucleus of an atom

nuclear fission
the process by which the nucleus of a heavy atom splits into two or more fragments; the
process releases neutrons and energy
1. Who discovered radioactivity? How did he do so?
A: Antoine Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity by accident. He put his wrapped photographic plates away in
a dark drawer, along with some crystals containing uranium. To his Becquerel's surprise, the plates were exposed
during storage by invisible emanations from the uranium. The emanations did not require the presence of an
initiating energy source, the crystals emitted rays their own..
2. How is nuclear radiation produced? What are the 3 types of radioactive decay and how do they work?
A: An unstable nucleus gives of nuclear radiation. There are three types of radiation; alpha decay, beta decay, and
gamma decay. Alpha decay works because there is a release of an alpha particle from a nucleus. An alpha particle is
made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Beta decay is the release of a negatively or positively charged electron from a
nucleus of an atom, which changes the atomic number. Gamma decay is the release of gamma rays from the
nucleus of an atom. Gamma rays have no mass or charge.
3. Draw and explain the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
See above answer.
4.What are some effects of radiation?
A: When a living thing absorbs radiation, it’s cells can be damaged. Radiation can travel through many things, and
you need to put on a special suit to stop it from getting to you. Extensive exposure to radiation can lead to radiation
sickness, i.e, loss of appetite, hair loss, fatigue, destruction of blood cells, and death.
5. Is there damage to living and non-living matter?
Living things can die from excessive radiation. See above answer.
Non living things can be contaminated with radiation, making them unsafe to use.
6.How does a nucleus become stable?

7.How can we figure out how old something is using decay?

A: We use the decay of radioactive carbon. All living things contain carbon atoms. A small percentage of these
atoms are radioactive carbon-14 atoms. You have the same amount of carbon-14 atoms in your life. After you die,
those atoms begin to add up. Every 5,730 years half of a carbon-14 sample decays. So, we just take a carbon-14
sample from a dead organism and see how much it has decayed to tell the age.
8. Does decay occur at a steady rate? Explain.
A:Yes, it does. Every 5,730 years half of a carbon-14 sample decays. The rate of decay is constant. It is not affected
by other conditions like temperature and pressure.
9. How is radiation beneficial for humans?
A: Radiation can be used in healthcare and in industry.
In healthcare, doctors can use tracers to help diagnose medical problems.
In industry, radiation can be used to detect defects in buildings.
10. What is nuclear fission and how is it useful to us?

A: Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of a heavy atom splits into two or more fragments; the
process releases neutrons and energy. Nuclear fission can be used to make fission bombs and produce electricity.

11. What is a nuclear chain reaction? How can we benefit from a chain reaction?
A: a nuclear chain reaction is a continuous series of nuclear fission reactions. There are two types of chain
reactions; controlled chain reaction and uncontrolled chain reaction. A controlled chain reaction is used in power
plants, and an uncontrolled chain reaction is used in nuclear bombs.
12. Compare and contrast the advantages of nuclear energy and fossil fuels

A: Nuclear energy produces virtually no harmful emissions, and does not contribute to global warming. Nuclear
energy is efficient. BUT nuclear energy leaves behind a dangerous waste that must be stored for safe keeping.

Fossil fuels are efficient. Fossil fuels are the most widely used energy source out there. Unfortunately, fossil fuels
produce harmful gases and contribute to global warming.

13. What is the big concern with using nuclear energy?

A: A: The waste that it produces. And the accidents that can occur.

14. What is nuclear fusion?

A: Nuclear fusion is the process by which nuclei of small atoms combine to form a new, more massive nucleus; the
process releases energy.

15. Can we get energy from fusion?

A: No we can’t.

16. What is the difference between nuclear fusion and fission? List the advantages.

A: Nuclear Fusion is less accident prone, but it cannot yet be achieved because in order for
nuclear fusion to happened there have to be very high temperatures.

Nuclear fission is more accident prone, but we can actually harness the energy from it.