Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion — Unit test Answers

In which isotope is the strong nuclear force not strong enough to balance electrostatic forces between protons?

A large atom decays and emits a particle. After the reaction is complete, the atom’s mass has changed substantially. What kind of particle has most likely been emitted?

After a radioactive atom decays, it is the same element that it was before with no measurable change in mass. Which kind of decay has occurred, and how do you know?

If an unshielded sample of radioactive material emits alpha particles, what effect will it have on a person sitting in the next room? (Assume the wall between rooms is composed of concrete.)

Consider the three equations below.Which statement do these reactions best support?

Which type of reaction does this diagram represent?

Which particles that make up an atom are involved in nuclear reactions?

A student writes the following statements about the relationship between mass defect and nuclear binding energy.1. When an isotope’s protons and neutrons come together to form a nuclide, a small amount of mass is converted to energy.2. An equivalent amount of energy must be added to the nuclide to split apart its protons and neutrons.3. Statement 1 describes the isotope’s nuclear binding energy, and statement 2 describes the isotope’s mass defect.Which statement is correct?

What occurs during one half-life?

Which radiation detection method creates visible trails that can show the direction of ionizing particles?

Why would a doctor most likely restrict a patient’s contact with other people while the patient receives internal radiation?

A stable atom that has a large nucleus most likely contains

Which type of radiation do people try to protect themselves from by wearing protective clothing that is made of aluminum?

What happens when the amount of fissionable material exceeds the critical mass?

Which best describes what forms in nuclear fission?