Nuclear Science: Fission, Fusion, and Radioactive Decay
What Is Nuclear Science?
Nuclear Science studies the nucleus of an atom, focusing on its structure, energy, and reactions.
Key Nuclear Processes
Fission
Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
Example: Uranium-235 undergoes fission when bombarded with neutrons.
Fusion
Fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
Example: The Sun generates energy through the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium.
Radioactive Decay
The spontaneous transformation of an unstable nucleus into a more stable one.
Types of Decay:
- Alpha Decay (
): Emits an alpha particle (
) - Beta Decay (
): Emits an electron or positron - Gamma Decay (
): Emits high-energy electromagnetic radiation
): Emits an alpha particle (
)
): Emits an electron or positron
): Emits high-energy electromagnetic radiationApplications of Nuclear Science
Medicine
Radioisotopes are used in cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.
Energy Production
Nuclear power plants use fission to generate electricity.
Space Exploration
Nuclear batteries power spacecraft for long missions.
Example Problem
A radioactive sample has a half-life of 
. If the initial mass is 
, how much remains after 
?
- Formula:
![\[ N = N_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{T}} \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMTUiIGhlaWdodD0iNTAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMTUgNTAiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
- Substitute Values:
![\[ N = 100 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{15}{5}} = 100 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = 12.5 \, \text{g} \]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzMjkiIGhlaWdodD0iNDkiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAzMjkgNDkiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCUiIHN0eWxlPSJmaWxsOiNjZmQ0ZGI7ZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5OiAwLjE7Ii8+PC9zdmc+ "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
![\[ N = N_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{t}{T}} \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-5ab6b795482bc200f03e6c7db89cf780_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
![\[ N = 100 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{\frac{15}{5}} = 100 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = 12.5 \, \text{g} \]](https://skinattuition.co.uk/core/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-7bdb2a5651f6000a5c78ef213d18487a_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Common Mistakes in Nuclear Science Problems
- Forgetting to use the correct units for time in half-life calculations
- Mixing up fission and fusion processes
- Ignoring the dangers of radioactive waste in real-world applications
Practice Questions
- A radioactive isotope has a half-life of
. If 
is present initially, calculate how much remains after 
. - Explain the difference between nuclear fission and fusion.
- Describe one application of nuclear Science in medicine.
. If 
is present initially, calculate how much remains after 
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