Nuclear Chemistry Worksheet Name____________________________Date_______
Identify the following as alpha, beta, gamma, or neutron.
1. n 2. e 3. He 4. γ
5. Nuclear decay with no mass and no charge
6. An electron
7. Least penetrating nuclear decay
8. Most damaging nuclear decay to the human body
9. Nuclear decay that can be stopped by skin or paper.
10. Nuclear decay that can be stopped by aluminum.
Complete the following nuclear equations.
11. K → e + __________ 12. Pu → He + __________
13. Be → Be + __________ 14. U → _________ + Th
15. Li → He + __________
Using your knowledge of nuclear chemistry, write the equations for the following processes:
16) The alpha decay of radon-198
17) The beta decay of uranium-237
18) Positron emission from silicon-26
19) Sodium-22 undergoes electron capture
20) Plutonium-239 has a half life of 2.41x104 yr. If you have a 1.00 mg sample how much will remain after 4 half-lives have passed?
21) The half-life of Am-241 is 458 years. How much of a 12.0 g sample would remain after 1375 years?
22) What is the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?
23) What is a “mass defect” and why is it important?
24) Name three uses for nuclear reactions.