Properties of Subatomic Particles

Questions and Answers

What is the smallest particle that still retains properties of an element?

Isotope

Atom (correct)

Molecule

Electron

What is the overall charge of the nucleus?

Positive

What is the mass of an electron?

What is the charge of an electron?

1- Signup and view all the answers

What is the mass of a proton and neutron?

1 Signup and view all the answers

Why is the atomic mass not a whole number?

It is the average of the sum of all the isotopes. Signup and view all the answers

Where is most of the mass of the atom found?

Nucleus of the atom Signup and view all the answers

What do neutral atoms have an equal number of?

Protons and electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is an isotope?

Same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Signup and view all the answers

The atomic number of an element is based on what?

The number of protons Signup and view all the answers

What does atomic mass depend on?

Present abundance and mass number Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to transmutate?

One element changes into another through radioactivity. Signup and view all the answers

What do nuclear reactions involve?

A change in an atom's nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is radioactive decay?

Spontaneous release of energy from a nuclear reaction Signup and view all the answers

Atoms undergo nuclear reactions to become what?

Stable Signup and view all the answers

What can alpha radiation be stopped with?

Piece of paper Signup and view all the answers

What can beta radiation be stopped with?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What can gamma radiation be stopped with?

Lead or concrete Signup and view all the answers

Alpha is the _ while gamma is the __.

weakest, strongest Signup and view all the answers

What is nuclear fission?

Splitting of atomic nuclei Signup and view all the answers

What is nuclear fusion?

Small nuclei combine to create one large nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest problem with nuclear power?

Energy costs to achieve the reaction are larger than the energy produced Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation is the most penetrating?

Gamma radiation Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs on the sun?

Nuclear fusion Signup and view all the answers

How are elements heavier than helium formed?

Nuclear fusion Signup and view all the answers

_ creates more energy than .

Fusion creates more energy than fission Signup and view all the answers

What is half-life?

Time it takes for half of a radioisotope's nuclei to decay Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Subatomic Particles and Atoms

Atoms are the smallest particles that retain the properties of an element.
The nucleus has an overall positive charge due to protons.
Electrons have negligible mass (effectively 0) and carry a negative charge (1-).
Protons and neutrons each have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu).

Atomic Structure and Properties

Atomic mass is often not a whole number due to it being the weighted average of all isotopes of an element.
Most of an atom's mass is concentrated in its nucleus.
Neutral atoms possess an equal number of protons and electrons.
Isotopes have the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Numbers and Mass

The atomic number of an element corresponds to its number of protons.
Atomic mass is influenced by the abundance and mass number of its isotopes.

Nuclear Reactions and Decay

Transmutation refers to the process where one element transforms into another through radioactive decay.
Nuclear reactions involve changes within an atom's nucleus and can lead to the release of energy.
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous release of energy during nuclear reactions, resulting in changes to atomic nuclei.
Atoms undergo nuclear reactions primarily to achieve stability.

Types of Radiation

Alpha radiation is the weakest form and can be blocked by a piece of paper.
Beta radiation requires wood for effective shielding.
Gamma radiation is the most penetrating and can be stopped by lead or concrete.
The strength of radiation types ranks from weakest (alpha) to strongest (gamma).

Nuclear Processes

Nuclear fission involves the splitting of atomic nuclei and can release significant energy.
Nuclear fusion is the process where small nuclei combine to form a large nucleus, generating more energy than fission.
The sun primarily undergoes nuclear fusion to produce energy.
Elements heavier than helium are primarily formed through nuclear fusion processes.

Challenges and Concepts in Nuclear Energy

A significant issue with nuclear power is that the energy required to initiate the reaction often exceeds the energy produced.
The half-life is the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive isotope to decay into another element or isotope.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the properties of subatomic particles with these flashcards. From the basic definitions of atoms to the charges and masses of electrons, protons, and neutrons, this quiz helps reinforce key concepts in atomic structure.