Unit 5 Nuclear Chemistry – Flashcards
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the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits charged particles and energy
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radioactivity
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any atom containing an unstable nucleus is called a
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radioisotope
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is charged particles and energy that are emitted from the nuclei of radioisotopes
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nuclear radiation
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is a positively charged particle made up of two protons and two neutrons- the same as the helium nucleus
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alpha particle
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is an electron emitted by an unstable nucleus
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beta particle
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is a penetrating ray of energy emitted by an unstable nucleus
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gamma ray
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nuclear radiation that occurs naturally in the enviroment
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background radiation
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what type of nuclear decay releases energy but not a particle
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gamma decay
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what type of radiation is emitted when polonium-212 forms lead-208?
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an alpha particle
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Which of the following statements is NOT true? A. You are exposed to nuclear radiation everyday B. Most of the nuclear radiation you are exposed to occurs naturally in the environment C. Naturally occurring nuclear radiation is called background radiation D. All natural radiation is at a level low enough to be safe
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All natural radiation is at a level low enough to be safe
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Which of the following is NOT a step in the operation of a Geiger counter? A. Nuclear radiation ionizes gas in a tube B. Ionized gas produces an electric current C. Magnets cause the ions to conduct electricity D. The electric current is detected and measured
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Magnets cause the ions to conduct electricity
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the attractive force that binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus
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strong nuclear force
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the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller parts
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fission
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neutrons released during the splitting of an initial nucleus trigger a series of nuclear fusions
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chain reaction
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the smallest possible mass of a fissionable material that can sustain a chain reaction
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critical mass
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is a process in which the nuclei of two atoms combine to form a larger nucleus
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fusion
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is a state of matter in which atoms have been stripped of their electrons
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plasma
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The strong nuclear force felt by a single proton in a large nucleus
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is about the same as that felt by a single proton in a small nucleus
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during nuclear fission, great amounts of energy are produced from
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very small amounts of mass
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Which of the following is an advantage of using nuclear power plants to produce electricity
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nuclear power plants do not pollute the air
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In what state must matter exist for fusion reactions to take place?
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plasma
