Nuclear Fission and Fusion Concepts

Nuclear chemistry is the study of the structure of atomic nuclei and changes the they undergo. It deals with ______ reactions or reactions that happen inside atoms.

Atomic nuclei can change into new nuclei through ______.

Chemical reactions occur when bonds are broken, while ______ reactions involve changes in atomic nuclei.

Radioactive decay rates are influenced by factors such as ______, particle size, and concentration.

When cosmic rays collide with particles in the earth’s atmosphere, they create a cascade of secondary particles that can be detected by scientists on the ground. This process involves ______ processes.

Because each of these neutrons can induce further fission, a chain reaction is possible. If the reaction can be controlled so that only a limited number of the neutrons released are allowed to induce additional decays, controlled fission can be used to generate electricity. Fusion involves the merging of nuclei where two light nuclei combine to form a single heavier nucleus. This process does not occur under standard conditions because ______ repels ______.

Advantages of fusion compared to fission include being inexpensive and generating nonradioactive waste. However, fusion also has its disadvantages, such as requiring a large amount of energy to start and being difficult to control. Examples of fusion applications include energy output of stars, the hydrogen bomb, and potential future nuclear power plants. Another application of fusion is the _______ of lighter nuclei to form heavier ones.

Applications of radioisotopes include their use in medicine for chemotherapy, power pacemakers, and as diagnostic tracers. In agriculture, radioisotopes are utilized to irradiate food and as pesticides. In terms of energy production, radioisotopes play a role in both fission and fusion processes. One common application of radioisotopes is the X-ray examination of luggage at a security station, which utilizes ________ radiation.

Radioactive iodine is used in medical imaging to visualize the thyroid gland. This process involves the ________ of the thyroid gland using radioactive iodine.

Another medical imaging technique involves using γ-ray scans to visualize human lungs. This process is known as ________ of human lungs.

When a cancer patient receives radiation therapy, they are undergoing treatment that involves the targeted use of ________ to destroy cancer cells.

Nuclear reactions occur when nuclei emit particles and/or rays Atoms often converted into atoms of another element. May involve protons, neutrons, and ______. Associated with large energy changes.

Reaction rate is not influenced by temperature, particle size, concentration, etc. There are 7 types of radiation: Alpha, Beta, ______.

Alpha particles are the same as helium nuclei, while Beta particles are the same as an electron e-. Alpha particles have a charge of 2+ and a mass of ______.

Gamma radiation is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation with an approximate energy of 1 MeV and high penetrating power. Effective shielding includes lead and ______.

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. It includes 5 types of decay: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Electron capture, and ______ emission.

When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay, it ejects an alpha particle, leading to a decrease in mass number by 4 and atomic number by ______.