Question

complete the table below
key term
definition in your own words
example (it applicable) (draw a picture)
radioactive decay
nuclear fusion
nuclear fission
alpha decay
beta decay
gamma decay

Explanation:

• Radioactive Decay: A spontaneous process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
• Alpha Decay: A type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha - particle (a helium - 4 nucleus), reducing its atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4. Example: Uranium - 238 undergoes alpha decay to form Thorium - 234.
• Beta Decay: A radioactive decay in which a beta - particle (an electron or a positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus. It can be beta - minus (emission of an electron and an antineutrino) or beta - plus (emission of a positron and a neutrino). For example, Carbon - 14 undergoes beta - minus decay to form Nitrogen - 14.
• Gamma Decay: A form of radioactive decay where an excited nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays (high - energy photons) without changing its atomic or mass number. For instance, after alpha or beta decay, the resulting nucleus may be in an excited state and undergo gamma decay to reach a more stable state.
• Nuclear Fission: The process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. An example is the fission of Uranium - 235 when it absorbs a neutron and splits into two smaller nuclei along with the release of more neutrons and energy.
• Nuclear Fusion: The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a vast amount of energy. The Sun and other stars generate energy through nuclear fusion, such as the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium.

Answer:

Key Term	Definition in your own words	Example (if applicable) (Draw a picture)
Alpha Decay	Nucleus emits alpha - particle, reducing atomic and mass numbers	Picture: A large nucleus (Uranium - 238) emitting a small particle (alpha - particle) and becoming a smaller nucleus (Thorium - 234)
Beta Decay	Nucleus emits beta - particle (electron or positron)	Picture: A nucleus (Carbon - 14) emitting an electron (beta - minus decay) and becoming a different nucleus (Nitrogen - 14)
Gamma Decay	Excited nucleus releases gamma rays	Picture: A nucleus in an excited state emitting wavy lines (gamma rays) to reach a stable state
Nuclear Fission	Nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy	Picture: A large nucleus (Uranium - 235) splitting into two smaller nuclei with neutrons and energy being released
Nuclear Fusion	Light nuclei combine to form heavier nucleus, releasing energy	Picture: Two small nuclei (hydrogen) coming together to form a larger nucleus (helium) with energy being released