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- Nuclear decay is any spontaneous process where unstable nuclei release extra energy to arrive at a more stable state. Typical decay processes are Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Some large unstable nuclei (e.g. Plutonium-240) can sometimes decay by spontaneous fission.
- Nuclear fission is a process where certain large nuclei (e.g. Uranium-235 & Plutonium-239) absorb a neutron and then split into two smaller nuclei and a few free neutrons. Some large unstable nuclei (e.g. Plutonium-240) don't need to be hit by a neutron to fission.
- Nuclear fusion is a process where small nuclei under unusual conditions of very high temperature and very high pressure combine to form larger nuclei.
All three processes above are exothermic.
In stars nuclear fusion stops at nickel and iron (further fusion past this would be endothermic). If all we had was the above processes then that would be where the Periodic Table ended (therefore there could not be nuclear fission as such heavy nuclei could not exist). However stars die, and some die so spectacularly we call them supernovas.
When a supernova occurs, an intense shock wave blows all the outer layers of the star away at very high velocity. At these velocities nuclei collide so hard that normally impossible endothermic nuclear fusion reactions occur. The rest of the periodic table is filled here, including many transuranics not found naturally on earth (e.g. Americium, Californium, Berkelium).
What else can I help you with?
Is splitting of atoms a form of nuclear decay?
No, the splitting of atoms is nuclear fission.
Which characteristic best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
What is the difference between a nuclear decay from a chemical reaction?
Nuclear decay involves the contents of the atomic nucleus, the protons and neutrons. Chemical reactions involve the electrons.
Which statement describes the differences between chemical reactions and nuclear decay rates?
Nuclear decay rates vary, but chemical reaction rates are constant
Which equation represents a spontaneous nuclear decay?
All nuclear decay is spontaneous.
What is the transformation of uranium?
- radioactive decay - nuclear fission - nuclear reactions
Is splitting of atoms a form of nuclear decay?
No, the splitting of atoms is nuclear fission.
Which characteristic best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
Which characteristics best describes how nuclear decay differs from nuclear fission?
Energy
What can uranium change to?
Uranium may suffer nuclear reactions, nuclear fission, nuclear decay.
What is splitting of atomic nuclei?
Splitting of atomic nuclei, also known as nuclear fission, is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller parts. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
Which process is not a common form of natural radioactive decay?
Nuclear fission is not a common form of natural radioactive decay. Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process, but it is primarily associated with artificial processes such as nuclear power generation or nuclear weapons.
What is one main difference between nuclear fission nuclear fusion and nuclear decay?
Nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process, commonly used in nuclear reactors. In contrast, nuclear fusion is the process where light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, which also releases energy, and is the reaction that powers stars, including the sun. Nuclear decay, on the other hand, refers to the spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a more stable one, emitting radiation in the process. While fission and fusion are energy-producing reactions, decay is a natural process of radioactive elements.
What happens to the nucleus?
Nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, natural fission
What is the difference between a nuclear decay from a chemical reaction?
Nuclear decay involves the contents of the atomic nucleus, the protons and neutrons. Chemical reactions involve the electrons.
Are there any non examples of radioactive decay?
Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are processes that involve nuclear reactions but are not examples of radioactive decay. Chemical reactions, such as burning wood, do not involve nuclear processes and are also not examples of radioactive decay.
Is nuclear energy a fission or fusion reaction?
Nuclear energy is either:fission reaction, orfusion reaction, orradioactive decay
