Radioactive Isotopes in Science

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Questions and Answers

What is the principle behind calculating the age of fossils?

Analyzing the structure of the fossil

Examining the surrounding rock formations

Measuring the size of the fossil

Studying the decay of isotopes (correct)

What is the primary function of Uranium-235 in nuclear reactors?

To generate thermal energy (correct)

To produce gamma rays

To slow down neutrons

To create a controlled nuclear fusion

What happens when a slow neutron hits the heavy nucleus of Uranium-235?

It absorbs the neutron

It splits into smaller nuclei (correct)

It becomes stable

It releases gamma rays

What is the expected electricity production capacity of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant?

2,400 megawatts Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger posed by radioactive isotopes?

Causing genetic changes in humans Signup and view all the answers

What was the devastating consequence of the Chernobyl accident in 1986?

Loss of numerous lives and extensive environmental damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of nuclear reactors in power plants?

To generate electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which atomic bombs release energy?

Nuclear fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the mass lost in the fission process?

It is released as energy as E = mc2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between fission and fusion reactions?

The direction of mass change Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nuclear reaction involves the splitting of a large nucleus?

Fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the equation that relates the energy released to the mass lost in a nuclear reaction?

E = mc2 Signup and view all the answers

Where does the energy created in the fusion process originate from?

From the mass lost during the reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nuclear reaction is used to create energy in the Ruppur nuclear power plant?

Fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the fusion process?

A larger nucleus is formed Signup and view all the answers

Where does the fusion process occur naturally?

In the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the sun's energy?

Nuclear reactions Signup and view all the answers

How much energy is produced from burning 1 gram of coal?

3000 Joules of thermal energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of c in Einstein's equation E = mc²?

It represents the speed of light Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between mass and energy according to E = mc²?

Mass is converted into energy at a rate proportional to the speed of light squared Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the equation E = mc² in nuclear power plants?

It expresses the relationship between mass and energy in nuclear reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate amount of energy produced from 1 gram of matter through nuclear reactions?

900000000000 Joules Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the country's first nuclear power plant mentioned in the text?

Rooppur Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to transform mass into energy at will?

Because it is a complex process Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Determining the Age of Fossils

Scientists determine the age of fossils by studying the decay of isotopes and examining the ratio of stable and unstable isotopes.

Nuclear Power Generation

Uranium-235 is used as fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.
When a slow neutron hits the heavy nucleus of Uranium-235, it splits into smaller nuclei, producing a significant amount of thermal energy.
This heat energy is then used to generate electricity with the help of a generator.

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

A new nuclear power plant is being constructed in Rooppur, Bangladesh, which is expected to produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity.

Effects of Radioactive Isotopes

Radioactive isotopes can be very dangerous to humans in uncontrolled conditions, leading to cancer by causing genetic changes.
Examples of disasters caused by radioactive isotopes include the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Chernobyl accident in Russia.

Nuclear Reactions

There are two types of nuclear reactions: fission and fusion.
Fission involves a large nucleus splitting into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy as E = mc².
Fusion involves two small nuclei combining to form a larger nucleus, also releasing energy as E = mc².

Relationship between Mass and Energy

The source of all energy on earth is the Sun, which radiates energy through nuclear reactions.
The equation E = mc² shows that a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy.
Nuclear energy is much more powerful than chemical energy, with 1 gram of matter producing 9,00,00,00,00,00,000 joules of energy.

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Description

Discover how scientists determine the age of fossils using radioactive isotopes and their applications in power generation.