Considering both sides of the equation representing a nuclear reaction, which is the same before and after the reaction?(1 point)

Question

Responses:

the energy

the number of alpha particles

​the total number of protons
​
the types of atoms

Answer 1

In a nuclear reaction, what remains the same before and after the reaction is the total number of protons. This is based on the principle of conservation of nucleons, specifically that the number of protons and neutrons (collectively called nucleons) is conserved during nuclear reactions, although the specific types of atoms (elements) may change.

So, the correct response is: the total number of protons.

Answer 2

Why does the emission of an alpha particle always result in transmutation?
Responses:

The protons in the large atom change to neutrons.

The number of protons in the atom changes.

Energy is released from the nucleus of the atom.

The atom is converted to helium.

Answer 3

The emission of an alpha particle always results in transmutation because the number of protons in the atom changes.

When an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus) is emitted from a heavy nucleus, the atomic number of the original atom decreases by 2 (because it loses 2 protons). This change in the number of protons effectively transforms the original atom into a different element, thus resulting in transmutation.

So, the correct response is: The number of protons in the atom changes.

Answer 4

Which phrase describes radioactive decay?
Responses:

the spontaneous emission of radiation

the triggering of one reaction by the products of another

the joining of small nuclei into a larger nucleus

the splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei

Answer 5

The phrase that describes radioactive decay is the spontaneous emission of radiation.

Radioactive decay involves the release of energy and particles from an unstable atomic nucleus, resulting in the transformation of the atom into a different element or isotope. This process occurs naturally and spontaneously without any external trigger.

So, the correct response is: the spontaneous emission of radiation.

Answer 6

Which option would be an appropriate model of nuclear fusion?
Responses:

adding a drop of water to a glass of water

sewing one piece of fabric to another

putting a puzzle together

mashing two marshmallows together

Answer 7

The most appropriate model of nuclear fusion among the given options would be mashing two marshmallows together.

This choice represents the concept of nuclear fusion, where two smaller nuclei come together to form a larger nucleus. Just as mashing together two marshmallows combines them into one, nuclear fusion involves the joining of two lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, along with the release of energy.

So, the correct response is: mashing two marshmallows together.

Answer 8

Which aspect must be taken into consideration when creating a model of radioactive decay?
Responses

There must not be any changes to the element in question.

There must be a way for unstable nuclei to become stable nuclei.

There must be a predictable and reversible change that occurs.

There must not be any particles or energy emitted from the nucleus.

Answer 9

When creating a model of radioactive decay, the aspect that must be taken into consideration is there must be a way for unstable nuclei to become stable nuclei.

Radioactive decay involves unstable nuclei transforming into more stable forms, which often includes the emission of particles and energy. The process results in a change of the element or isotope, leading to the production of stable nuclei over time.

So, the correct response is: There must be a way for unstable nuclei to become stable nuclei.

Answer 10

How is fusion different from a simple chemical reaction?(1 point)
Responses

The nuclei combine in a fusion reaction.
The nuclei combine in a fusion reaction.

Atoms come together in a chemical reaction, but they are split in a fusion reaction.
Atoms come together in a chemical reaction, but they are split in a fusion reaction.

Energy is released in a fusion reaction, but it is absorbed in a chemical reaction.
Energy is released in a fusion reaction, but it is absorbed in a chemical reaction.

The atoms are bound to each other by electrons in a fusion reaction.
The atoms are bound to each other by electrons in a fusion reaction.

Answer 11

The correct response that shows how fusion differs from a simple chemical reaction is:

The nuclei combine in a fusion reaction.

This statement highlights the fundamental difference between fusion and chemical reactions. In fusion, nuclei (the central parts of atoms) combine to form a heavier nucleus, often involving the release of a significant amount of energy. In contrast, chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons and the formation or breaking of chemical bonds between atoms, but do not involve changes to the atomic nuclei.

So, while some of the other statements touch upon aspects of energy and bonding, the most precise differentiation is that in fusion, it is the nuclei that combine.