Chemistry Test Nuclear Chemistry 2

Question 1

What is nuclear fusion?

Accepted Answer

Combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus

Answer

Nuclear fusion combines two light nuclei (e.g., hydrogen isotopes) into a heavier nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy — the process that powers the sun.

Question 2

Which equation expresses Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relevant to nuclear reactions?

Accepted Answer

E = mc²

Answer

Einstein's E = mc² shows that the mass defect in a nuclear reaction corresponds to the energy released, with c being the speed of light.

Question 3

Carbon-14 dating is based on the radioactive decay of ¹⁴C with a half-life of approximately 5,730 years. If a sample has 25% of its original ¹⁴C remaining, how old is it?

Accepted Answer

11,460 years

Answer

After one half-life (5,730 yr) 50% remains; after two half-lives (11,460 yr) 25% remains, so the sample is ~11,460 years old.

Question 4

What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?

Accepted Answer

Neutrons from one fission event triggering additional fissions

Answer

In a chain reaction, neutrons released by one fission event strike other fissile nuclei, causing more fissions and releasing more neutrons in a self-sustaining process.

Question 5

Which term describes the energy required to completely separate a nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons?

Accepted Answer

Binding energy

Answer

Nuclear binding energy is the energy needed to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons; it reflects the stability of the nucleus.

Chemistry Practice Test

Chemistry Practice Test

Chemistry Test Nuclear Chemistry 2