Nuclear Chemistry Review

Nuclear fission is the process used in nuclear power plants, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy.

+2 charge.

They have the same number of protons.

The atom becomes a completely different atom, with different properties.

Cadmium with an atomic mass of 115.

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Isotopes are variants of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.