What is a nuclear reaction?
A process that changes the nucleus of an atom, often releasing large amounts of energy.
How is a nuclear reaction different from a chemical reaction?
Nuclear reactions change the nucleus; chemical reactions change electron arrangements.
Why do nuclear reactions release so much energy?
Because a small amount of mass is converted to energy (E = mc²).
What must be balanced in a nuclear equation?
Both atomic numbers (protons) and mass numbers (protons + neutrons).
What symbol represents an alpha particle?
⁴₂He or α.
What symbol represents a beta particle?
⁰₋₁e or β⁻.
What symbol represents gamma radiation?
γ (no mass or charge).
What is nuclear fission?
Splitting of a large nucleus into smaller ones, releasing energy.
What element is commonly used as fuel in nuclear power plants?
Uranium-235.
What is the purpose of control rods in a reactor?
To absorb neutrons and control the rate of fission.
What is the main product of fission besides smaller nuclei?
Energy and neutrons.
Which type of radiation has the highest penetration power?
Gamma radiation (γ).
Which type of radiation can be stopped by paper?
Alpha particles.
Which type of radiation can be stopped by metal foil?
Beta particles.
What is ionizing radiation?
Radiation with enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules.
Name two natural sources of background radiation.
Cosmic rays and radon gas.
What are some health effects of high radiation exposure?
DNA damage, cancer, and radiation sickness.
What is a half-life?
The time it takes for half of a radioactive isotope to decay.
If a substance has a half-life of 10 years, how much remains after 20 years?
25% (¼ of the original amount).
Name one major nuclear power plant accident.
Chernobyl, Fukushima, or Three Mile Island.
What are some long-term effects of nuclear accidents?
Environmental contamination and health risks from radiation.
Which country generates the highest percentage of its electricity from nuclear power?
France.
What is one advantage of nuclear power?
Produces large amounts of energy with low carbon emissions.
How do photovoltaic cells generate electricity?
By converting sunlight directly into electrical energy using semiconductors.
